Surgical staples comprising hardness variations for improved fastening of tissue

ABSTRACT

A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion. The staple legs comprise staple tips configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of an anvil of surgical stapling instrument. The staples further comprise zones having different hardnesses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/022,499, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING HARDNESS VARIATIONS FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE, filed Sep. 16, 2020, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021/0068834, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/288,697, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING HARDNESS VARIATIONS FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE, filed Feb. 28, 2019, which issued on Apr. 6, 2021 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,966,724, which is continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,411, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING HARDNESS VARIATIONS FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE, filed Aug. 26, 2015, which issued on Jul. 23, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,357,251, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith.

A stapling instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jaw members, wherein each jaw member can be adapted to be inserted into a patient and positioned relative to tissue that is to be stapled and/or incised. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge with at least two laterally spaced rows of staples contained therein, and the other jaw member can support an anvil with staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling instrument can further include a pusher bar and a knife blade which are slidable relative to the jaw members to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cartridge via camming surfaces on the pusher bar and/or camming surfaces on a wedge sled that is pushed by the pusher bar. In at least one embodiment, the camming surfaces can be configured to activate a plurality of staple drivers carried by the cartridge and associated with the staples in order to push the staples against the anvil and form laterally spaced rows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaw members. In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can trail the camming surfaces and cut the tissue along a line between the staple rows.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate various aspects of the related art in the field of the invention at the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the staple of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the staple of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the staple of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a staple for use with surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the staple of FIG. 7 in a formed configuration;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the staple of FIG. 7 in the formed configuration of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the staple of FIG. 7 in a formed configuration and a partial cross-sectional view of an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIGS. 11A-11C are cross-sections of portions of the staple of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a partial top view of a formed staple configuration comprising a plurality of staples in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of an anvil illustrating a portion of the staple of FIG. 15 being formed from an unformed configuration to a formed configuration;

FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the staple of FIG. 15 in a formed configuration;

FIG. 18 includes side views of multiple staple tips in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment and forming pockets of an anvil according to a first arrangement;

FIG. 20 is partial cross-sectional view of an anvil pocket of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the staple and the forming pockets of FIG. 19 according to a second arrangement;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the staple and the forming pockets of FIG. 19 according to a third arrangement;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the staple of FIG. 19 and forming pockets in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of an anvil pocket of FIG. 23 taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the staple of FIG. 19 and forming pockets in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the staple of FIG. 19 and forming pockets in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of a staple leg in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 27A is a partial cross-sectional end view of the staple leg of FIG. 27;

FIG. 27B is a partial longitudinal cross-section of the staple leg of FIG. 27;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple strip manufactured with progressive die stamping;

FIG. 28A is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the staple strip of FIG. 28 taken along line 28A-28A in FIG. 28;

FIG. 28B is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the staple strip of FIG. 28 taken along line 28B-28B in FIG. 28;

FIG. 28C is a partial perspective view of a sled configured to engage the staple strip of FIG. 28;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple strip manufactured with progressive die stamping in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the staple strip of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge and staples in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a detail view of a distal end of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrating staples being ejected from the staple cartridge assembly by a firing member;

FIG. 36 is a partial exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 35 illustrating a staple being deformed against an anvil by the firing member;

FIG. 38 is a partial plan view of a staple positioned in a staple cavity of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is a partial perspective view of a staple being lifted by the firing member of the staple cartridge of FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view of the staple of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating the staple of FIG. 39 in a level position;

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating the staple of FIG. 39 in a crooked position;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional plan view of a staple cavity configured to guide a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly positioned in a jaw of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrating a firing member positioned in a cartridge body of the staple cartridge assembly;

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 44 illustrating a retention feature configured to hold the firing member in the cartridge body when the staple cartridge assembly is not positioned in the jaw of the surgical stapling instrument;

FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 44;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 44;

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 44 illustrating a retention feature configured to releasably hold the staple cartridge assembly in the jaw of the surgical stapling instrument;

FIG. 49 is a partial plan view of a staple positioned in a staple cavity of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 50 is a detail view of a retention feature configured to releasably hold the staple in the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a bottom perspective view of the staple of FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a front elevational view of the staple of FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 is a side elevational view of the staple of FIG. 52;

FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the staple of FIG. 52;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a firing member of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising alignment channels;

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating the firing member of FIG. 57 and a staple positioned in a staple cavity of a staple cartridge assembly;

FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating the firing member of FIG. 57 aligning the staple of FIG. 58 within the staple cavity of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the firing member of FIG. 57 and staples arranged in two longitudinal rows;

FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alignment channel of the firing member of FIG. 57 and a portion of the staple of FIG. 58;

FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 58;

FIG. 63 is a partial exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 58;

FIG. 64 is a partial bottom cross-sectional perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 58;

FIG. 65 is a partial perspective view of projections extending from a deck surface of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of projections extending from a deck surface of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

FIG. 67 is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge body of a staple cartridge assembly;

FIG. 68 is a bottom view of the cartridge body of FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge body of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 32;

FIG. 70 is a bottom view of the cartridge body of FIG. 32;

FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating the cartridge body of FIG. 67 to an alternative embodiment of a cartridge body;

FIG. 72 is a partial top plan view of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 73 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 32;

FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 32 and the anvil of FIG. 37 illustrating certain staples in an unfired position and certain staples in a fired position;

FIG. 75 illustrates the staples of the staple cartridge of FIG. 32 deformed to three different heights;

FIG. 76 illustrates the staples of the staple cartridge of FIG. 32 implanted in the tissue of a patient;

FIG. 77 illustrates a staple of the staple cartridge of FIG. 32 being deformed;

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the staple of FIG. 78;

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a staple assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 81 is an elevational view of the staple assembly of FIG. 80;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of an implantable staple adjunct;

FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the staple adjunct of FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a partial perspective view of a staple assembly including the staple adjunct of FIG. 82;

FIG. 85 illustrates the staple assembly of FIG. 84 implanted into tissue;

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated in a deformed configuration;

FIG. 87 is a plan view of a circular cartridge body comprising a plurality of the staple assemblies of FIG. 84 in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 88 illustrates the spacing of the staples of FIG. 35 in unstretched tissue;

FIG. 89 illustrates the spacing of the staples of FIG. 35 in stretched tissue;

FIG. 90 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 91 illustrates the staple of FIG. 90 implanted into tissue;

FIG. 92 illustrates the staple of FIG. 90 after being partially dissolved;

FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a circular surgical stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 94 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the circular surgical stapler of FIG. 93;

FIG. 95 is a partial perspective view of the circular surgical stapler of FIG. 93;

FIG. 96 is a partial exploded perspective view of a circular surgical stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 97 is a partial perspective view of the circular surgical stapler of FIG. 96 illustrating staples in a preloaded position;

FIG. 98 is a partial perspective view of the circular surgical stapler of FIG. 96;

FIG. 99 is an end view of a circular surgical stapling configuration in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 100 is an end view of a circular surgical stapling configuration in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 101 is partial cross-sectional view of a colon stapled with a circular stapling instrument disclosed herein;

FIG. 102 is a partial perspective view of a curved stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 103 is a partial exploded view of the curved stapler of FIG. 102;

FIG. 104 is a partial perspective view of the curved stapler of FIG. 102;

FIG. 105 is a partial perspective view of a curved stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 106 is a partial perspective view of the curved stapler of FIG. 105; and

FIG. 107 is a partial side view of a cutting beam head in its uncompressed state;

FIG. 108 is another partial side view of the cutting beam head of FIG. 107 in its maximum compressed state;

FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional end view of an end effector and a cutting beam head of FIGS. 107 and 108 in its maximum compressed state;

FIG. 110 is another cross-sectional view of the end effector and cutting beam head of FIG. 109 after the end effector has cut and stapled tissue;

FIG. 111 is a perspective view of another surgical instrument;

FIG. 112 is an exploded perspective view of another surgical end effector of the present invention;

FIG. 113 is an exploded assembly view of the handle assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 111;

FIG. 114 is an exploded assembly view of an elongated shaft assembly of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 111-113;

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 111-114 inserted through a portion of a trocar port;

FIG. 116 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 115 after it has exited through the trocar port inside the patient;

FIG. 117 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 115 and 116 after the anvil assembly has been moved to an open position;

FIG. 118 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 115-117 with the anvil in the closed firing position;

FIG. 119 is a perspective view of one form of a surgical instrument of the present invention;

FIG. 120 is an exploded perspective view of one form of surgical end effector of the present invention;

FIG. 121 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 119;

FIG. 122 is an exploded perspective assembly view of another portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 119;

FIG. 123 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a portion of the elongated shaft assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 119;

FIG. 124 is a perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 120 and a distal closure tube segment;

FIG. 125 is a rear perspective view of a portion of an anvil embodiment;

FIG. 126 is a side cross-sectional view of a surgical end effector and distal closure tube segment with the anvil assembly in an open position;

FIG. 127 is another side cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and distal closure tube segment of FIG. 126;

FIG. 128 is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 119 with a portion of the handle housing removed;

FIG. 129 is a perspective view of a portion of a firing drive system;

FIG. 130 is a perspective view of one surgical instrument arrangement;

FIG. 131 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical end effector arrangement;

FIG. 132 is a side elevational view of an anvil;

FIG. 133 is a side cross-sectional view of an end effector and portion of an elongated shaft assembly with the end effector shown in an unarticulated position in solid lines and the end effector shown in articulated positions in broken lines;

FIG. 134 is another side cross-sectional view of an end effector and portion of an elongated shaft assembly with the anvil in a closed position and the cutting head in an end position after being fired distally through the staple cartridge;

FIG. 135 is another side cross-sectional view of the end effector and elongated shaft assembly portion of FIG. 134 after the cutting head has been retracted proximally back to its starting position;

FIG. 136 is another side cross-sectional view of an end effector and portion of an elongated shaft assembly with the anvil in an open position and the cutting head in a starting position;

FIG. 137 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the end effector and portion of the elongated shaft assembly of FIG. 136;

FIG. 138 is cross-sectional perspective view of the end effector and portion of the elongated shaft assembly of FIG. 136;

FIG. 139 is a perspective assembly view of an end effector and elongated shaft assembly;

FIG. 140 is a cross-sectional view of a distal portion of an elongated shaft assembly;

FIG. 141 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of an elongated shaft assembly along with a portion of an articulation system;

FIG. 142 is a perspective view of an elongated shaft assembly and end effector; and

FIG. 143 is a partial perspective exploded view of a handle assembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Aug. 26, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,324, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES FOR MINIMIZING STAPLE ROLL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0056005;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,020, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING FEATURES FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,098,642;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,058, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE STRIPS FOR PERMITTING VARYING STAPLE PROPERTIES AND ENABLING EASY CARTRIDGE LOADING, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,433,845;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0056000;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,036, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT A BOTTOM COVER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,213,203;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,077, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE CAVITIES FOR PROVIDING BETTER STAPLE GUIDANCE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,517,599;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,225, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING STAPLE GUIDES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,028,744;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,351, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE ALIGNMENT FEATURES ON A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,470,769;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,163, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING VARIOUS TISSUE COMPRESSION GAPS AND STAPLE FORMING GAPS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0056002;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,294, entitled STAPLES CONFIGURED TO SUPPORT AN IMPLANTABLE ADJUNCT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,394;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,375, entitled STAPLES COMPRISING A COVER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,390,829; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,137, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING FEATURES FOR CONTROLLING THE ROTATION OF STAPLES WHEN BEING EJECTED THEREFROM, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,166,026.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 23, 2013 and which are each incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,554, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE SHAFT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173789;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,465, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,265,065;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,474, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,681,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,485 entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT JAW CONTROL FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,428;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,475, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173749;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,481, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,968,354;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,489 entitled SURGICAL STAPLES, STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,232;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/477,488, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D775,336;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,505 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING AN EXTENDABLE FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,585,662;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,518 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DIRECTLY ENGAGE AND EJECT FASTENERS FROM THE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,763,662;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,530 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER INCLUDING FASTENER TRANSFER SURFACES, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,735;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,507, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,724,092;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,497, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,642,620; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,516, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING METHODS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173756.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A staple, or fastener, disclosed herein is configured for use with a surgical stapling instrument. Discussed in greater detail below, the staple is removably stored in a staple cavity of a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a sled configured to receive a firing actuation from the surgical stapling instrument which imparts a force on the staple to eject the staple from the staple cavity. When the staple is ejected, or driven, out of the staple cavity by the sled, the staple undergoes a deformation process where the staple forms into a fired configuration from an unfired configuration. The staple forms into the fired configuration when the staple contacts corresponding forming pockets of an anvil of the surgical stapling instrument.

Various staples disclosed herein comprise a flat-formed staple which can be cut and/or stamped from a sheet of material, for example. The sheet of material can be metallic and can comprise stainless steel and/or titanium, for example. In at least one instance, outlines can be traced, etched, and/or cut into the sheet of material which are machined and/or laser cut to form the staples into a manufactured shape.

The staples comprise a pair of staple legs and a staple base portion, or crown, from which the staple legs extend. Each staple leg comprises a staple tip, or piercing portion, which is configured to pierce the tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of the anvil of the surgical stapling instrument. The staple legs are configured to change shape to achieve a formed configuration to fasten the tissue. The staple base portion defines a first plane and the staple legs define a second plane which is laterally offset from but at least substantially parallel to the first plane. Embodiments are envisioned where the first and second planes are not parallel.

The flat-formed staple 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 comprises a proximal staple leg 110, a distal staple leg 120, and a staple base portion 130. The staple 100 further comprises vertical transition portions, or bends, 118, 128 and lateral transition portions, or bends, 116, 126. The vertical transition portions 118, 128 bend, or extend, the legs 110, 120 vertically, or upward, from the staple base portion 130. The lateral transition portions 116, 126 extend the staple legs 110, 120 laterally outward, or at least substantially perpendicularly with respect to the staple base portion 130. The staple legs 110, 120 define a first plane and the staple base portion 130 defines a second plane. Together, the vertical transition portions 118, 128 and the lateral transition portions 116, 126 permit the staple legs 110, 120 to be laterally offset and parallel with respect to the staple base portion 130. Stated another way, the first plane is offset from and at least substantially parallel to the second plane. In FIGS. 1-4, the first plane is offset in the negative Y direction. Other staples may be used in conjunction with a plurality of staples 100 where the other staples comprise a first plane which is offset in the positive Y direction. The use of both types of staples permits staple rows to be nested, or interwoven, where staple legs of neighboring rows may be at least substantially aligned and/or share a common longitudinal axis. In various instances, the staple rows can be nested to provide denser staple rows.

The proximal staple leg 110 and the distal staple leg 120 comprise staple tips 112, 122 and corners 114, 124, respectively. The tips 112, 122 are configured to pierce tissue and contact a forming pocket of an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument. The tips 112, 122 contact the anvil when the staple 100 receives a driving force to eject the staple 100 from a corresponding staple cavity in the staple cartridge. The tips 112, 122 and/or legs 110, 120 of the staple 100 will then begin forming from an unfired configuration to a fired configuration. The proximal staple leg 120 further comprises a leading engagement foot 117 comprising a chamfered surface, or edge, 119. As the sled contacts the staple 100 upon the sled's distal translation, a feature of the sled can engage the leading engagement foot 117 to aid in preventing longitudinal staple roll, or rotation, for example. The engagement foot 117 can comprise a push point that is configured to be pushed on to load the staple 100 into a staple cartridge.

Since the staple 100 is a flat-formed staple, the staple legs 110, 120, tips 112, 122, and/or other portions of the staple 100 can be further developed, or worked, after being stamped from a flat, or at least substantially flat, stock. Further developing the staple 100 can provide specific properties creating and/or altering preferential bending planes, toughness, and/or elasticity, for example. Traditional wire-formed staples comprise desirable properties advantageous for surgical fastening and can be implemented with the staple 100. Methods for constructing the corners 114, 124 and/or tips 112, 122, for example, may include any suitable process including cold working, for example. A specific process may include coining by working the corners 114, 124 into a rounded, angled, oblique, and/or parabolic profile, for example. The staple tips 112, 122 can also be worked using similar methods to provide an adequate tip configured to pierce tissue and form against a corresponding forming pocket of the anvil.

The staple base portion 130 comprises an inclined drive surface 132, a final drive surface 131, and a distal wall 133. In various embodiments, the staple 100 is supported in a staple cartridge by a pan where the final drive surface 131 is configured to rest on the pan. In various other embodiments where a staple cartridge is pan-less, the final drive surface does not rest on a pan, rather, the final drive surface comprises an initial position residing above a bottom surface of the pan-less staple cartridge. This would allow a bottom surface of the sled and the bottom surface of the pan-less staple cartridge to be at least substantially flush as the sled translates through the cartridge. The drive surface 132 of each staple base portion 130 is configured to receive the driving force F_(s) from the sled of the surgical stapling instrument. When the sled translates distally through the staple cartridge, the sled contacts the drive surface 132 to lift the staple 100 out of the cartridge and, in addition, contact the final drive surface 131 to form the staple 100 into its fired configuration.

The distal wall 133 acts as a distal-most wall of the staple base portion 130 and is positioned proximal of the distal staple leg 120 resulting in a lack of any portion of the staple base portion 130 underneath the distal staple leg 120. Having a greater amount of mass in the base portion 130 of the staple 100 increases the ability of the staple 100 to resist rotational motion caused by the moment M_(S) applied by the sled. Increasing the moment of inertia of the staple base portion 130 increases the ability to resist rotational motion. As a result, a greater torque, or larger moment, would be required to cause longitudinal staple roll.

The staple base portion 130 further comprises a top surface, or compression surface, 136 comprising a proximal surface 139, an intermediate surface 138, and a distal surface 137. The proximal surface 139 is angled, or slanted, upward toward the proximal leg 110. The distal surface 137 is angled, or slanted, upward toward the distal leg 120. The intermediate surface 138 is at least substantially parallel to the final drive surface 131. This valley-like configuration limits the stress concentration of tissue captured near the transition portions 118, 128, 116, 126 where the legs 110, 120 extend from the staple base portion 130. In various embodiments, these surfaces 137, 138, 139 can be curved to create a concave surface. In traditional staples, when formed, the connections where the legs meet the staple base produce locations responsible for highly localized tissue stress. This is especially true in the event that such a traditional staple buckles, or is crushed, or flattened, rather than formed into a true “B” configuration.

In various embodiments, the dynamics of the staple 100 are predictable when ejected from a staple cartridge. As the staple 100 is ejected from its corresponding staple cavity, a driving force F_(S) from the sled generates a moment M_(s). One preventive measure for preventing staple roll includes increasing the moment of inertia of the staple 100, discussed above, which is configured to prevent, as illustrated in FIG. 2, longitudinal roll, or rotation of the staple. In the event that the staple 100 rolls longitudinally in the distal direction, or, in other words, rotates counterclockwise about the Y axis, outer, longitudinal staple leg surfaces 115, 125 of the staple 100 will contact the guide surfaces, or sidewalls, of the staple cartridge. This contact produces corresponding reaction forces F_(C1) and F_(C2). More particularly, as the staple 100 is driven out of the staple cavity and rotated about the Y axis, the wall 115 of the proximal staple leg 110 contacts a proximal sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F_(C2) which acts upon the staple leg 110 below the center of mass. The wall 125 of the distal staple leg 120 contacts a distal sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F_(C1) which acts upon the staple leg 120 above the center of mass. Both reaction forces, F_(C1) and F_(C2), contribute to a reactional moment M_(RC) to counteract, or balance, the applied moment M_(S) acting on the staple 100. The reaction forces discussed herein may be distributed loads acting upon a surface area of each of the staple legs 110, 120.

The moment of inertia of the staple 100 is also configured to prevent, as illustrated in FIG. 4, lateral roll, or rotation of the staple 100. The staple base portion 130 comprises a notch 134 defined in the top surface 136 on a side of the staple base portion 130 closest to the legs 110, 120. The notch 134 contributes to the predictability of the dynamics of the staple 100 before formation and upon formation when ejected from the staple cartridge. For example, referring primarily to FIG. 4, the notch 134 is configured to induce rotation of the staple 100 toward a particular cavity sidewall. In the event that the staple 100 rolls laterally, or, in other words, rotates in the direction of the applied moment M_(S), outer, lateral staple leg walls 111, 121 of the staple 100 will contact the guide surfaces, or sidewalls, of the staple cartridge producing corresponding reaction forces F_(C1) and F_(C2). For example, as the staple 100 is driven out of the staple cavity and rotated in the direction of the applied moment M_(S), the walls 111, 121 of the staple legs 110, 120 contact a corresponding sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F_(C1) which act upon the staple legs 110, 120 above the center of mass. An outer lateral wall 135 of the staple base portion 130 contacts another corresponding sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F_(C2) which acts upon the staple base portion 130 below the center of mass. Reaction forces F_(C1) and F_(C2) produce a reactional moment M_(RC) to counteract, or balance, the applied moment M_(S) acting on the staple 100 from the sled. The reaction forces discussed herein may be distributed loads acting upon a surface area of each of the staple legs 110, 120 and the staple base portion 130. In various embodiments, the staple 100 is encouraged to roll laterally in the direction of the applied moment M_(S) to control which walls of the staple cavity are going to be contacted for staple guidance as the staple 100 is ejected from the staple's 100 corresponding staple cavity.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a wire-formed staple 200 comprising staple legs 210 and a staple base portion 230. The staple legs 210 are offset and bent at a substantially ninety degree angle from the staple base portion 230. The staple legs 210 reside in a first plane which is at least substantially perpendicular to a second plane defined by the staple base portion 230 and the bend portions 220 of the staple legs 210.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a staple 300 comprising a proximal staple leg 310, a distal staple leg 320, and a staple base portion, or crown, 330 having a drive surface 332. The staple legs 310, 320 extend from the staple base portion 330 and each staple leg 310, 320 comprises a laterally outward bend portion and an upward bend portion. The laterally outward bend portions of the staple legs bend the staple legs laterally outward with respect to the staple base portion. The upward bend portions of the staple legs bend the staple legs vertically with respect to the staple base portion. The staple 300 comprises a first zone 331 comprising a first hardness, second zones 311, 321 comprising a second hardness, and third zones 312, 322 comprising a third hardness. Embodiments are envisioned where the staple 300 comprises more or less zones than depicted. Varying certain properties, such as the hardness, of different portions of the staple 300 can provide greater control and predictability when forming the staple against corresponding forming pockets such as forming pockets 341 of anvil 340, for example. The first hardness of the first zone 331 may be greater than that of the second hardness of the second zones 311, 321. In many instances, it is desirable to have ductile staple legs 310, 320 capable of permanently changing shape without fracture or, in other words, having staple legs 310, 320 with a high plasticity, while having a staple base portion 330 that supports the staple legs 310, 320 and comprises a hardness greater than the staple legs 310, 320, for example. A greater hardness would increase the staple base portion's 330 ability to resist deformation upon the application of an external and/or internal force, such as a force from the staple legs upon being compressed against the anvil, for example.

Metal working different portions of the staples disclosed herein can comprise several advantages. One of these advantages may include being able to prevent crushing, or buckling, of the staple legs during formation and, instead, encourage the staple legs to deform in a desired configuration as a result of the contact with the corresponding forming pockets.

The staple 300 may be formed into any desired formation. In an unformed configuration, the staple legs 310, 320 define a first plane P₁ and the staple base portion 330 defines a second plane P₂. Shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is an example of a formation of the staple 300 in which the staple legs 310, 320 are formed laterally toward the second plane P₂. Variations in hardness of certain zones and/or portions of the staple 300 can be responsible for providing directional encouragement when contacting the forming pockets 341. Embodiments are envisioned where the staple legs 310, 320 are formed in a direction laterally away from the second plane P₂.

FIGS. 11-11C depict a staple 400 comprising staple legs 410 and a staple base portion 430 formed from a flat sheet of material. The staple base portion 430 comprises a rectangular cross-sectional profile 431 and the staple legs comprise a round cross-sectional profile 411. Having round staple legs 410 that extend from a staple base portion 430 having the rectangular cross-sectional profile 431 can provide a staple base portion and staple legs with no preferential bending planes. The staple 400 comprises bend portions 420 where the staple legs 410 extend from the staple base portion 430. The bend portions 420 comprise a substantially square cross-sectional profile 421. The square profile 421 and the rectangular profile 431 of the bend portions 420 and the staple base portion 430, respectively, provide a stiff connection and backbone to the round staple legs 410. The round staple legs 410 eliminate preferential bending planes that staple legs with a square, rectangular, or any shape with vertices or a non-uniform shape, cross-sections could have.

FIG. 12 depicts a staple 500 in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a proximal staple leg 510, a distal staple leg 520, and a staple base portion 530 from which the staple legs 510, 520 extend. The proximal staple leg 510 is bent laterally outward from the staple base portion 530 in a first direction. The distal staple leg 520 is bent laterally outward from the staple base portion in a second direction. The first direction is opposite the second direction. The staple base portion 530 defines a first plane and the staple legs 510, 520 define a second plane which intersects the first plane. One advantage of having the staple legs 510, 520 bent in opposite directions can help prevent lateral roll by counteracting the applied sled moment on each side of the staple base portion 530. This results in an S-shaped configuration and requires complimentary forming pockets.

A staple 600 is depicted in FIG. 13 comprising a proximal leg 610, a distal leg 620, and a staple base portion 630 having a drive surface 632. The distal leg 620 is longer than the proximal leg 610 resulting in an offset contact timing of the tips 611, 621 of the staple legs 610, 620 against the forming pockets of the anvil. In various embodiments, the distal leg may comprise a tip that comprises an initial pre-bent configuration to aid in the forming process when initially contacting the anvil. This pre-formed tip 621 would require less compressive force than the staple tip 611 to begin deformation against the anvil. Having the longer staple leg, in this case the distal staple leg 620, contact the anvil before the shorter, or proximal, staple leg, 610 may require the staple tip 621 of the longer leg 620 to have, to a certain degree, a pre-formed tip before the tip 611 is deformed.

FIG. 14 illustrates an arrangement 700 of formed staples 711, 721. The staples 711 are arranged in a first row 710 and the staples 721 are arranged in a second row 720 which is adjacent to the first row 710. The staples 711, 712 may be similar to that of the staple 600 illustrated in FIG. 13 discussed above. The staples 711 comprise laterally opposing legs 713, 715. The staples 721 comprise laterally opposing legs 723, 725. The laterally opposing legs 713, 715 each comprise tips configured to contact forming pockets of an anvil at contact points 713 c, 715 c, respectively. The laterally opposing legs 723, 725 also each comprise tips configured to contact forming pockets of an anvil at contact points 723 c, 725 c, respectively. The laterally opposing legs 713, 715 each form inwardly toward the staple base portion from which they extend. The laterally opposing legs 723, 725 also each form inwardly toward the staple base portion from which they extend.

The staple rows 710, 720 are interwoven such that the contact points 723 c, 713 c are in substantial alignment. Such an arrangement allows for a more densely arranged staple row configuration in a staple cartridge and/or a more densely arranged forming pocket configuration on an anvil. Also, intersecting purchase planes may provide for a higher quality purchase and a larger area of purchase coverage in the tissue. The intersecting purchase planes may guarantee that anything captured between the staple rows and the forming pockets is guaranteed to be adequately fastened. This can help when stapling smaller vessels and/or not easily visible vessels that, in conventional staple arrangements, may navigate staple row separations resulting in less than adequate fastening.

FIGS. 15-17 depict a staple 800 comprising staple legs 810, 820 and a staple base portion 830 having a drive surface 832. The staple legs 810, 820 comprise tips 842 configured to contact forming pockets of an anvil, such as forming pocket 861 of the anvil 860, for example. The staple tips 842 comprise a piercing tip, or portion, 842T, a curling surface 842S, and a concave cutout portion 842C. The piercing tip 842T is configured to pierce the tissue T upon ejection from the staple cartridge and, once in contact with the forming pocket 861 of the anvil 860, deform within the forming pocket 861. Deformation of the staple tip 842 is encouraged into a certain formation by utilizing the predictable deformability of the concave cutout portion 842C. The curling surface 842S of the staple tip 842 is configured to curl, or deform, from a piercing position 812A, to an intermediate formed position 812B, and to a non-piercing position 812C. Once the staple tip 842 has deformed completely, the piercing tip 842T is shielded, or isolated, from the tissue T by the curling surface 842S. This prevents further piercing of the tissue T after the tip 842 pierces the tissue upon ejection. This arrangement also prevents further injury and/or unwanted irritation that a piercing tip that is exposed after the initial piercing could possibly inflict. Preventing further piercing of the tissue T after the legs are formed also lessens the chance of the staple 800 being pulled through the tissue T. The curling surface 842S acts as a shield configured to shield the piercing tip 842T from the tissue T.

FIG. 18 depicts multiple examples of different types of staple tips 871, 872, 873, 874, and 875 that can be employed with any suitable surgical staple such as the staples disclosed herein. Staple tip 871 comprises a triangular shape with an at least substantially flat face. Staple tip 872 comprises a face with a varying contour. Staple tip 873 comprises a rocket-like shape. Staple tip 874 comprises a nub-like profile. The nub-like profile may be substantially dull, for example. Staple tip 875 comprises a pencil-sharpened profile.

In various embodiments, the staple tips disclosed herein may comprise a material different than that of the staple to which the staple tip is connected in order to make deforming in the fashion desired easier, however, the staple tip material can still be strong enough to prevent unfolding of the staple tip after fastening tissue.

Surgical staples can be encouraged to form into a desired configuration by changing the shape, size, configuration, and/or other aspects of the forming pockets configured to form the staples. FIG. 19 depicts forming pockets 911, 921 configured to form a staple 900. The staple 900 comprises staple legs 901, 902, staple tips 910, 920, and a staple base 930, wherein the staples legs 901, 902 extend from the staple base 930. The staple 900 is configured to contact and form against the corresponding forming pockets 911, 921. The forming pocket 911 comprises a forming channel surface 917 configured to receive a corresponding tip 910 and encourage the tip 910 to form in a direction P1. Shown in FIG. 20, the forming pocket 911 comprises lateral valley-like surfaces 915 and longitudinal valley-like surfaces 913 configured to funnel, or catch, the tip 910 of the staple in the event of minor misalignment upon contact. The staple 900, staple leg 901, and/or staple tip 910 may be driven off target with respect to the forming channel surface 917 upon ejection from the cartridge. The valley-like surfaces permit longitudinal and lateral roll of the staple. Although illustrated as concave surfaces, the valley surfaces may be convex or flat, for example.

The forming pocket 921 comprises a forming channel surface 927 configured to receive a corresponding tip 920 of the staple 900 and encourage the tip 920 to form in a direction D1. The direction D1 is opposite the direction P1 and, as shown in FIG. 19, illustrates an instance in which the staple legs are formed toward each other and at least substantially parallel to the staple base 930. Other embodiments are envisioned where the directions D1, P1 direct the corresponding staple legs in opposite directions but outward with respect to each other. The forming pocket 921 further comprises lateral valley-like surfaces 925 and longitudinal valley like surfaces 923 configured to funnel, or catch, the tip 920 of the staple 900 in the event of minor misalignment upon contact. The staple 900, staple leg 902, and/or staple tip 920 may be driven off target with respect to the forming channel surface 927 upon ejection from the cartridge.

In various embodiments, the longitudinal valley-like surfaces may comprise two separate valley surfaces. The two separate valley surfaces may comprise an initial valley surface nearest the intended point of contact for the corresponding staple tip. The initial valley surface may comprise a larger range of misalignment protection than the other of the separate valley surfaces. The initial valley surface may comprise a larger width and/or height than the other of the separate valley surfaces, for example.

FIG. 21 depicts another arrangement of the staple pockets 911, 921 discussed above. However, the staple pockets 911, 921 in the illustrated arrangement are configured to direct the staple tips inward toward the staple base 130. The leg 901 and tip 910 are configured to be formed in direction P2. The leg 902 and tip 920 are configured to be formed in direction D2. The directions P2, D2 are transverse. Other embodiments are envisioned where the directions P2, D2 direct the corresponding staple legs and tips away from the staple base, or outward.

FIG. 22 depicts yet another arrangement of the staple pockets 911, 921 discussed above. The staple pockets 911, 921 in the illustrated arrangement are configured to form the corresponding staple legs 901, 902 and tips 910, 920 in opposite directions where one of the staple legs 902 is directed toward the staple base 930 and one of the staple legs 901 is directed away from the staple base 930. The leg 901 and tip 910 are configured to form in direction P3. The leg 902 and tip 920 are configured to form in direction D3. The directions P3, D3 are at least substantially parallel. Other embodiments are envisioned where the directions P3, D3 are not parallel.

FIGS. 23 and 24 depict another embodiment of forming pockets comprising forming pockets 1011, 1021 configured to deform the staple 900. The forming pockets 1011, 1021 comprise an ear-like shape providing nested pockets. This type of arrangement can save space on the staple forming surface of an anvil to allow for more staple pockets and, as a result, more staples in a staple cartridge in a lesser amount of space. The forming pocket 1011 comprises a forming channel surface 1017 configured to receive the corresponding tip 910 and encourage the tip 910 to form in a curved direction P4. Shown in FIG. 24, the forming pocket 1011 comprises a first valley-like, curved surface 1015A and a second valley-like, curved surface 1015B configured to funnel, or catch, the tip 910 of the staple in the event of minor misalignment during contact. The staple 900, staple leg 901, and/or staple tip 910 may be driven off target with respect to the forming channel surface 917 upon ejection from its staple cavity. The valley-like surfaces permit some longitudinal and lateral roll of the staple. Although illustrated as concave surfaces, the valley surfaces may be convex or flat, for example.

The forming pocket 1021 comprises a forming channel surface 1027 configured to receive the corresponding tip 920 of the staple 900 and encourage the tip 920 to form in a direction D4. FIG. 23 illustrates an instance in which the staple legs 901, 902 are formed toward each other with one staple leg 901 formed away from the staple base 930 and one staple leg 902 formed toward the staple base 930. Other embodiments are envisioned where the directions P4, D4 direct the corresponding staple legs 901, 902 in opposite directions but outward with respect to each other. The forming pocket 1021 comprises a first valley-like, curved surface 1025A and a second valley-like, curved surface 1025B configured to funnel, or catch, the tip 920 of the staple 900 in the event of minor misalignment before and/or during contact.

FIG. 25 depicts yet another embodiment of forming pockets comprising anvil forming pockets 1111, 1121 configured to deform corresponding staple legs 901, 902 and tips 910, 920 toward the staple base 930. The forming pockets 1111, 1121 are trapezoidal in shape and can be nested with other similar forming pockets using less space on a forming surface of an anvil. The forming pockets 1111, 1121 are configured to form the staple legs 901, 902 and tips 910, 920 in directions P5, D5, respectively.

FIG. 26 depicts yet another embodiment of forming pockets comprising anvil forming pockets 1211, 1221 configured to deform corresponding staple legs 901, 902 and tips 910, 920 in directions P6, D6, respectively. The forming pockets 1111, 1121 are triangular in shape and can be nested with each other comprising an even more compact forming pocket arrangement on an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-27B, a staple leg 1300 is depicted. The staple leg 1300 comprises a substantially round staple tip with a substantially square staple leg and a staple leg body portion 1301. The staple leg 1300 comprises hardened corners formed using a coining process, for example, where the corners 1303A, 1303B, 1303C, and 1303D were rounded in order to create preferential bending planes. Stated another way, the staple leg 1300 comprises a cross-sectional profile configured to encourage the staple leg 1300 to bend in a certain direction due to the corner hardening upon contact with an anvil. The corners 1303A, 1303B, 1303C, and 1303D may vary in hardness from one corner to the next, or, may comprise two corners with a first hardness and the other two corners with a second hardness. The corners 1303A, 1303B, 1303C, and 1303D may be coined to provide different radial profiles on the same staple leg. For example, the corner 1303A comprises a radial profile with a radius RA greater than the radius RB of the radial profile of corner 1303B shown in FIG. 27B.

Portions of the staples disclosed herein may be hardened at various times of the manufacturing process with any suitable means. For example, hardening process may include bronzing, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, laser surface treatment, thermal oxidation, ion nitriding, and/or solid state diffusion, for example. Other portions of the staples may be prevented from being hardened by these processes. Other portions of the staples may be locally annealed, such as the staple tips, for example. Increasing hardness in certain areas can increase the force required to unform the staples after the staples have assumed a fired configuration.

FIGS. 28-28C depict a staple 1400 and a sled 1460 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The staple 1400 comprises staple legs 1410, 1420, a staple base portion 1430 from which the staple legs 1410, 1420 extend, a drive surface 1432, and a bottom surface 1431. The staple legs 1410, 1420 extend from the staple base portion 1430 in a plane which is a parallel and offset with respect to a plane defined by the staple base portion 1430. The staple 1400 is made with progressive die stamping utilizing a base strip 1450 and a connector portion 1451. Although only a single staple 1400 is shown, a plurality of staples 1400 are attached to the base strip 1450. The connector portion 1451 connects the staple 1400, specifically the staple base portion 1430, to the base strip 1450. The connector portion 1451 comprises a discontinuity, or notch, 1453 configured to permit the staples 1400 to detach from the strip 1450. In at least one instance, the sled 1460 comprises release portions, or striking portions, 1461. The release portions 1461 of the sled 1460 are configured to engage the discontinuities 1453, or connector portions 1451, to separate, break, and/or shear, the staples 1400 from the base strip 1450 and permit the staples to be ejected from their staple cavities by the sled 1460.

Embodiments are envisioned where the base strip 1450 comprises alignment features such as holes, for example, which engage corresponding alignment features on a staple cartridge. Such alignment features may comprise protrusions, for example, that align with the alignment features of the base strip 1450. In various instances, a person loading the staples into the cartridge could align the staples with the staple cavities and/or align the alignment features before pushing the staples into the staple cavities. Certain embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge comprises engagement features configured to engage the discontinuities 1453 when the strip assemblies are loaded into the staple cartridge. The engagement features allow the staples 1400 to be separated from the strip 1450 when the staples 1400 are loaded into a staple cartridge instead of when the staples 1400 are fired. Manufacturing staples using progressive die stamping can permit staples to have different crown sizes, shapes, and/or configurations as well as staple leg sizes, shapes, and/or configurations. Another advantage of using progressive die stamping technology may include the ability to alter the spacing of the rows of staples in which the staples are aligned.

FIGS. 29 and 30 depict another embodiment of a strip 1500 of staples 1501 made with progressive die stamping. The strip 1500 of staples 1501 comprises a base strip 1550, a connector portion 1551, and staples 1501. Each staple 1501 comprises, one, a staple base portion 1530 comprising a bottom surface 1531 and, two, staple legs 1510 extending from the staple base portion 1530. The connector portion 1551 attaches the bottom surface 1531 of the staple base portion 1530 to the base strip 1550. The staple legs are bent up from the staple base portion 1530 such that the legs 1510 reside in a plane which is offset and at least substantially parallel to a plane defined by the staple base portion 1530. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple legs 1510 are bent in a direction opposite to that of the connector portion 1551. Bending the legs 1510 and the connector portions 1551 in this manner can permit a more dense staple row arrangement. The connector portions 1551 can comprise a discontinuity enabling the staples 1501 to be released from the base strip 1550 upon loading the staples 1501 into a staple cartridge and/or firing the staples 1501 from the staple cartridge as discussed in the previous embodiment.

FIG. 31 depicts a plurality of staples 1601 and a cross-sectional view of a portion of a staple cartridge 1650 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The staples 1601 are removably stored within corresponding staple cavities 1651 of the staple cartridge 1650. The staple cartridge 1650 comprises a deck surface 1653 and staple leg supports 1655. The staples 1601 comprise, one, staple legs 1610 which each comprise a staple tip 1611 and, two, a staple base portion 1630 from which the staple legs 1610 extend. Each staple 1601 comprises a pre-load configuration, a loaded configuration, and a fired configuration where the staple 1601 is ejected from the staple cartridge 1650 and formed against corresponding forming pockets of an anvil. The staple legs 1610 are bent outwardly with respect to the staple base portions 1630 in the pre-load configuration. The staple legs 1610 are biased against sidewalls of the corresponding staple cavity 1651 in the loaded configuration and define a first distance X between the tips 1611 of the staple legs 1610. In the pre-load configuration, the distance between the staple tips 1611 of the staple legs 1610 is greater than X. This biasing force helps support the staples 1601 in the staple cartridge 1650.

A staple cartridge 2000 is illustrated in FIGS. 32-34. The staple cartridge assembly 2000 comprises a cartridge body 2010. The cartridge body 2010 is positionable in and removable from a jaw of a surgical stapling instrument. As a result, the staple cartridge 2000 is replaceable; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge 2000 is not replaceable. The cartridge body 2010 comprises a proximal end 2011, a distal end 2012, and a deck 2014 extending between the proximal end 2011 and the distal end 2012. The deck 2014 is configured to support the tissue of a patient when the tissue is compressed against the deck 2014.

The cartridge body 2010 further comprises a plurality of staple cavities 2020 defined therein. The staple cavities 2020 are arranged in six longitudinal rows extending between the proximal end 2011 and the distal end 2012; however, any suitable arrangement of staple cavities 2020 can be utilized. A staple, such as staple 2130 (FIG. 40), for example, is removably stored in each staple cavity 2020. As discussed in greater detail below, the staples are ejected from the staple cavities 2020 by a firing member when the firing member is moved from the proximal end 2011 of the cartridge body 2010 toward the distal end 2012.

Further to the above, the staples are moved from an unfired position to a fired position by the firing member. The firing member lifts the staples toward an anvil, such as anvil 2190 (FIG. 37), for example, to deform the staples between an unfired, undeformed configuration and a fired, deformed configuration. The cartridge body 2010 further comprises a longitudinal slot 2013 defined therein. The slot 2013 is configured to receive the staple firing member and/or a tissue cutting member therein when the staples are ejected from the staple cavities 2020.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the staples do not protrude above the deck 2014 until they are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. Such embodiments may frequently utilize small staples. In other embodiments, the legs of the staples protrude above the deck 2014 when the staples are in their unfired positions. In at least one such embodiment, the cartridge body 2010 further comprises projections 2050 extending from the deck 2014. The projections 2050 extend the staple cavities 2020 above the deck 2014 and guide the staples toward the anvil when the staples are being ejected from the staple cartridge 2000. In such embodiments, the staples may not extend above the projections 2050 until they are moved toward the anvil by the firing member.

Referring primarily to FIG. 34, the projections 2050 do not extend around the entirety of the staple cavities 2020. A first projection 2050 is positioned adjacent a first end of each cavity 2020 and a second projection 2050 is positioned adjacent a second end of each cavity 2020. Each first projection 2050 extends around a first staple leg guide 2022 of a staple cavity 2020 and each second projection 2050 extends around a second staple leg guide 2023 of the staple cavity 2020. Each first projection 2050 provides a proximal bracket which can control and guide the proximal leg of a staple and each second projection 2050 provides a distal bracket which can control and guide the distal leg of the staple. The first projection 2050 of each staple cavity 2020 is not symmetrical with respect to the first end of the staple cavity 2020 and does not extend around the entirety of the first end of the cavity 2020. Similarly, the second projection 2050 of each staple cavity 2020 is not symmetrical with respect to the second end of the staple cavity 2020 and does not extend around the entirety of the second end of the cavity 2020. The first projection 2050 and the second projection 2050 comprise mirror images of one another and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of each staple cavity 2020; however, any suitable arrangement of projections could be utilized.

As illustrated in FIGS. 32-34, the cartridge body 2010 comprises steps 2014′ and steps 2014″ which extend upwardly from the deck 2014. More specifically, the steps 2014′ extend upwardly from the deck 2014 and the steps 2014″ extend upwardly from the steps 2014′. As a result, the steps 2014″ may apply a larger compressive pressure to the tissue than the steps 2014′ and, similarly, the steps 2014′ may apply a larger compressive pressure to the tissue than the deck 2014. The steps 2014′ and 2014″ comprise staggered longitudinal plateaus; however, the steps 2014′ and 2014″ may comprise any suitable configuration. Moreover, further to the above, the projections 2050 extending from the steps 2014″ extend above the projections 2050 extending from the steps 2014′ and, similarly, the projections 2050 extending from the steps 2014′ extend above the projections 2050 extending from the deck 2014. Stated another way, the projections 2050 extending from the deck 2014, the steps 2014′, and the steps 2014″ are staggered.

A staple cartridge 2100 is illustrated in FIGS. 35-38. The staple cartridge assembly 2100 comprises a cartridge body 2110 and is similar to the staple cartridge assembly 2000 and/or the other staple cartridges disclosed herein in many respects. The cartridge body 2110 comprises a deck 2114, a plurality of staple cavities 2120 a, and a plurality of staple cavities 2120 b. The staple cavities 2120 a are similar to the staple cavities 2120 b in many respects. For instance, the staple cavities 2120 a and 2120 b both comprise a central slot 2121 having a proximal end and a distal end, a proximal staple leg guide 2122 extending laterally from the proximal end of the central slot 2121, and a distal staple leg guide 2123 extending laterally from the distal end of the central slot 2121. That said, the staple cavities 2120 a and the staple cavities 2120 b are oriented in different directions. More particularly, the staple leg guides 2122, 2123 of the staple cavities 2120 a extend toward the staple cavities 2120 b and, similarly, the staple leg guides 2122, 2123 of the staple cavities 2120 b extend toward the staple cavities 2120 a; however, any suitable arrangement can be utilized.

A staple 2130 a is positioned in each staple cavity 2120 a and a staple 2130 b is positioned in each staple cavity 2120 b. The staples 2130 a and the staples 2130 b are similar in many respects. For instance, each staple 2130 a comprises a base, or crown, 2131, a proximal leg 2132 extending from a proximal end of the base 2131, and a distal leg 2133 extending from a distal end of the base 2131. That said, the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are adapted in a manner to fit within the staple cavities 2120 a, 2120 b, respectively. For example, when the staples 2130 a are positioned in the staple cavities 2120 a and the staples 2130 b are positioned in the staple cavities 2120 b, the legs 2132, 2133 of the staples 2130 a extend toward the staples 2130 b and the legs 2132, 2133 of the staples 2130 b extend toward the staples 2130 a; however, other arrangements are possible.

Further to the above, the proximal legs 2132 of the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are positioned within the staple leg guides 2122 when the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are stored in the staple cavities 2120 a, 2120 b, respectively. Similarly, the distal legs 2133 of the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are positioned within the staple leg guides 2123 when the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are stored in the staple cavities 2120 a, 2120 b, respectively. Moreover, the bases 2131 of the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are positioned in the central slots 2121 of the staple cavities 2120 when he staples 2130 a, 2130 b are stored in the staple cavities 2120 a, 2120 b, respectively. Referring primarily to FIG. 35, the tips of the staple legs 2132, 2133 extend above the deck 2114 of the cartridge body 2110 when the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are in their unfired positions. That said, the tips of the staple legs 2132 are at least partially surrounded by proximal projections 2152 extending from the deck 2114 and the tips of the staple legs 2133 are at least partially surrounded by distal projections 2153 extending from the deck 2114. The proximal projections 2152 extend around the proximal staple leg guides 2122, but they do not extend around the proximal ends of the central slots 2121. Similarly, the distal projections 2153 extend around the distal staple leg guides 2123, but they do not extend around the distal ends of the central slots 2121.

Turning now to FIG. 38, each proximal projection 2152 comprises a first portion 2154 which extends around a proximal side of the proximal guide slot 2122 and a second portion 2155 which extends around a lateral side of the proximal guide slot 2122. The proximal projection 2152 does not extend around a distal side of the proximal guide slot 2122; however, it is envisioned that the proximal projection 2152 can extend around the distal side of the proximal guide slot in alternative embodiments. Similarly, each distal projection 2153 comprises a first portion which extends around a distal side of the distal guide slot 2123 and a second portion which extends around a lateral side of the distal guide slot 2123. The distal projection 2153 does not extend around a proximal side of the distal guide slot 2123; however, it is envisioned that the distal projection 2153 can extend around the proximal side of the distal guide slot in alternative embodiments. In any event, the arrangement depicted in FIG. 38 protects the staple legs 2132, 2133 when the staples 2130 a, 2130 b are in their unfired positions and, in addition, guide the staples 2130 a, 2130 b as the staples are being fired. Such an arrangement also appropriately controls the flow of tissue relative to the deck 2114 of the cartridge body 2110.

Referring again to FIG. 38, the staple cavities 2120 a and the staples 2130 a are sized and configured such that clearance gaps are provided between the staples 2130 a and the staple cavities 2120 a. For example, a clearance gap 2156 is present between the proximal leg 2132 of a staple 2130 b and the proximal sidewall of the proximal guide slot 2122 and, similarly, a clearance gap 2158 is present between the proximal leg 2132 of the staple 2130 b and the distal sidewall of the proximal guide slot 2122. In addition, a clearance gap 2157 is present between the lateral side of the proximal leg 2132 and the lateral sidewall of the proximal guide slot 2122. Similar gaps can be found between the distal leg 2133 and the distal guide slot 2123. Lateral clearance gaps 2126, 2127 can also be provided between the base 2131 of the staple 2130 b and the lateral sides of the central slot 2121. Such clearance gaps may be transient and the staple may contact one or more of the sidewalls nonetheless.

A staple cartridge 2200 is illustrated in FIG. 43. The staple cartridge 2200 is similar to the staple cartridges 2000, 2100 and the other staple cartridges disclosed herein in many respects. The staple cartridge 2200 comprises a cartridge body 2210 including staple cavities 2220 defined therein. Each of the staple cavities 2220 has a staple, such as staple 2130, for example, removably stored therein. Each staple cavity 2220 comprises a first guide slot 2222 configured to guide the leg 2132 of the staple 2130, a second guide slot 2223 configured to guide the leg 2133 of the staple 2130, and a central slot 2221. The guide slots 2222 and 2223 extend laterally from the central slot 2221 and the central slot 2221 includes an intermediate guide 2225 configured to guide the base 2131 of the staple 2130. The first guide slot 2222 is sized and configured such that the staple leg 2132 is closely received in a corner of the first guide slot 2222. Similarly, the second guide slot 2223 is sized and configured such that the staple leg 2133 is closely received in a corner of the second guide slot 2223. The intermediate guide 2225 is sized and configured to limit the lateral movement of the staple 2130 within the staple cavity 2220. Moreover, the intermediate guide 2225 is sized and configured to hold the staple legs 2132 and 2133 in the staple leg guide slots 2222 and 2223, respectively.

As discussed above, the intermediate guide 2225 is sized and configured to hold the staple legs 2132 and 2133 against the sidewalls of the guide slots 2222 and 2223, respectively. Such an arrangement creates lateral reaction forces, indicated as force vectors LT in FIG. 43, between the lateral sidewalls of the cavity 2220 and the staple 2130. Such lateral reaction forces generate friction forces between the sidewalls of the cavity 2220 and the staple 2130 when the staple 2130 is ejected from the cavity 2220. It should be understood that friction forces are a function of the surface area in which they are applied and, as such, the intermediate guide 2225 does not extend along the entire length of the central slot 2221. That said, the intermediate guide 2225 has a longitudinal length which is sufficient to control the orientation of the staple 2130 within the cavity 2220. Moreover, the intermediate guide 2225 has a sufficient vertical length sufficient to control the orientation of the staple 2130 during the firing stroke of the staple 2130. In at least one instance, the guide 2225 extends along the entire vertical depth of the cavity 2220.

The intermediate guide 2225 is flat and is configured to interface with a flat surface defined on the lateral side of the base 2131 of the staple 2130; however, any suitable arrangement could be utilized. In certain alternative embodiments, the intermediate guide 2225 comprises a resilient biasing member configured to apply a lateral biasing force to the base 2131 of the staple 2130, for example. In at least one instance, the resilient biasing member could comprise a cantilever spring, for example.

The staple cavity 2220 does not include a lateral guide positioned opposite the lateral intermediate guide 2225. In fact, a clearance gap 2229 is present between a lateral sidewall 2228 and the staple 2130.

Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 43, the staple 2130 is not positioned in the ends of the central slot 2221. More particularly, the central slot 2221 of the cavity 2220 comprises a proximal end 2226 and a distal end 2227 and the staple 2130 does not extend into either the proximal end 2226 or the distal end 2227. Rather, clearance gaps are present between the ends 2226, 2227 and the staple 2130. Such clearance gaps extend between the ends 2226, 2227 and the intermediate guide 2225. As a result, the ends 2226, 2227 of the staple cavity 2220 do not control the longitudinal position of the staple 2130. Instead, the staple leg guides 2222, 2223 control the longitudinal position of the staple 2130. In fact, the legs 2132 and 2133 of the staple 2130 can be biased inwardly by the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223, respectively. Such an arrangement creates longitudinal reaction forces, indicated as force vectors LG in FIG. 43.

As a result of the above, the staple cavity 2220 comprises three control points, or positions, in which the staple cavity 2220 controls the orientation of the staple 2130. These control points comprise discrete control positions with clearance gaps defined therebetween. Stated another way, the guides 2222, 2223, and 2225 triangulate the control of the staple 2130. Alternative embodiments are envisioned which comprise more than three control points. In any event, the control points provided by the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223 are defined in a first control plane. An intermediate control point provided by the intermediate guide 2225 is defined in a second control plane. The first control plane and the second control plane are parallel; however, alternative embodiments are envisioned in which the first control plane and the second control plane are not parallel. Moreover, the first control plane is aligned with, or adjacent to, the staple legs 2132 and 2133 of the staple 2130 and the second control plane is aligned with, or adjacent to, the base 2131 of the staple 2130.

A staple cartridge 2700 is illustrated in FIG. 65. The staple cartridge 2700 comprises a cartridge body 2710 which includes a deck 2714 and a plurality of staple cavities 2220 defined in the deck 2714. Similar to the cartridge body 2110, the cartridge body 2710 includes projections 2752 and 2753 which extend above the deck 2714. The projections 2752 at least partially surround the staple leg guides 2222 of the staple cavities 2220 and the projections 2753 at least partially surround the staple leg guides 2223 of the staple cavities 2220. Similar to projections 2152, 2153, the projections 2752, 2753 each include an outside portion 2754 and a lateral portion 2755. The outside portions 2754 are positioned longitudinally with respect to the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223 while the lateral portions 2755 are positioned laterally with respect to the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223. Unlike the projections 2152, 2153, the projections 2752, 2753 each include an inner portion 2756 which are positioned longitudinally with respect to the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223. The inner portions 2756 are connected to the lateral portions 2755 and the lateral portions 2755 are connected to the outside portions 2754. Similar to the above, the projections 2752, 2753 extend the staple cavities 2220 above the deck 2714.

A staple cartridge 2800 is illustrated in FIG. 66. The staple cartridge 2800 comprises a cartridge body 2810 which includes a deck 2814 and a plurality of staple cavities 2220 defined in the deck 2814. Similar to the cartridge body 2110, the cartridge body 2810 includes projections 2152, 2153 which extend above the deck 2114. As outlined above, the projections 2152 at least partially surround the staple leg guides 2222 of the staple cavities 2220 and the projections 2753 at least partially surround the staple leg guides 2223 of the staple cavities 2220. Moreover, the cartridge body 2810 includes inner projections 2856 which are positioned longitudinally with respect to the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223. The inner projections 2856 are not connected to the projections 2152, 2153.

Referring again to FIG. 35, the staples 2130 are driven between unfired positions and fired positions by a firing member, such as sled 2140, for example. The sled 2140 comprises wedges 2145 which are configured to directly engage the staples 2130 and lift the staples 2130 toward an anvil, such as anvil 2190, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 37. The sled 2140 comprises a wedge 2145 for each longitudinal row of staples 2130; however, the sled 2140 may have any suitable number of wedges 2145. Each wedge 2145 comprises an angled drive surface 2141 which slides under the staples 2130 as the sled 2140 is advanced from the proximal end of the staple cartridge 2100 toward the distal end of the staple cartridge 2100. The base 2131 of each staple 2130 comprises an angled drive surface 2135 which is directly contacted by a drive surface 2141. Stated another way, each staple 2130 comprises its own integrally-formed driver having a drive surface 2135. The staples 2130 are comprised of metal and, as a result, the integrally-formed driver is also comprised of metal. That said, the staples disclosed herein can be comprised of any suitable material.

Further to the above, each drive surface 2141 comprises an initial, or distal, portion 2142, a second, or intermediate, portion 2143, and a third, or apex, portion 2144. The initial portion 2142 extends at a first angle and provides an initial contact point for the sled 2140 against a staple 2130 as the sled 2140 is moved distally. As the initial portion 2142 slides under the staple 2130, the staple 2130 is lifted upwardly within the staple cavity 2120. As the sled 2140 continues to move distally, the intermediate portion 2143 comes into contact with the staple 2130. The intermediate portion 2143 extends at a second angle which is different than the first angle. The first angle can be steeper than the second angle when it is desirable for there to be a quick initial upward displacement of the staple 2130 whereas the first angle can be shallower than the second angle when it is desirable to a provide a gradual initial upward displacement of the staple 2130. In either event, the staple 2130 contacts the anvil 2190 while the staple 2130 is being lifted upwardly by the intermediate portion 2143, as illustrated in FIG. 37; however, alternative embodiments are envisioned in which the staple 2130 contacts the anvil 2190 when the staple 2130 is being lifted upwardly by the initial portion 2142. In either event, the proximal leg 2132 of the staple 2130 contacts a proximal forming pocket 2192 defined in the anvil 2190 and the distal leg 2133 contacts a distal forming pocket 2193 defined in the anvil 2190. The forming pockets 2192 and 2193 are configured to bend the legs 2132 and 2133 inwardly to deform the staple 2130 and capture the tissue of a patient within the staple 2130. The apex 2144 of the drive surface 2141 slides under the staple 2130 to finish the forming process. The apex 2144 can comprise a peak of the drive surface 2141, a flat surface, and/or a surface which extends at a third angle which is different than the first angle and/or the second angle.

In various instances, each drive surface 2141 can comprise a portion which trails, or is positioned proximal to, the apex 2144 of the drive surface 2141. Such a trailing portion can be lower than the apex 2144, for example. Moreover, such a trailing portion can provide for a gradual decrease in forming pressure in the staples 2130, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 39, the staple 2130 further includes a foot 2134 which extends downwardly from the proximal leg 2132. When the staple 2130 is in its proper orientation in its staple cavity 2120, as illustrated in FIG. 41, the foot 2134 is not contacted by the sled 2140. In such instances, an alignment plateau 2146 of the sled 2140 passes under the foot 2134. When the staple 2130 is not in its proper orientation in its staple cavity 2120, as illustrated in FIG. 42, the sled 2140 can contact the staple 2130 and re-orient the staple 2130. For the purpose of comparison, an improperly oriented staple 2130 and a properly oriented staple 2130′ are both illustrated in FIG. 42. The sled 2140 comprises an angled alignment ramp 2148 which is configured to contact the foot 2134 and rotate the staple 2130 into is proper orientation. After the alignment ramp 2148 has properly oriented the staple 2130, the alignment plateau 2146 can slide underneath the foot 2134. As can be appreciated from FIG. 39, the alignment ramp 2148, the alignment plateau 2146, and the foot 2134 are arranged in an alignment plane which is aligned with the forming plane of the legs 2132 and 2133 of the staple 2130. The alignment plane is adjacent to a lifting plane which includes the forming surface 2141 of the sled 2140 and the base 2131 of the staple 2130.

A staple cartridge assembly 2300 is illustrated in FIGS. 44-48. The staple cartridge assembly 2300 is similar to the staple cartridge 2000, 2100, 2200, and the other staple cartridges disclosed herein in many respects. The staple cartridge 2300 comprises a cartridge body 2310 and sleds 2340 which are configured to eject staples removably stored in the cartridge body 2310. Similar to sled 2140, sleds 2340 comprise staple forming ramps 2145. The ramps 2145 are slidably positioned in longitudinal slots 2115 defined in the cartridge body 2110 which are aligned with the lifting portions, or planes, of the staples. Notably, as discussed in greater detail below, the slots 2115 have an open end defined in the bottom 2316 of the cartridge body 2310.

Further to the above, the staple cartridge assembly 2300 does not include a cover extending around the bottom 2316 of the cartridge body 2310. Referring primarily to FIG. 48, the cartridge body 2310 is directly positioned against the jaw 2180 of the stapling instrument. In embodiments where a staple cartridge is not readily removable from the jaw of a stapling instrument and not readily replaceable with another staple cartridge, the absence of a bottom cover is not necessarily problematic as the jaw 2180 can prevent the staples from falling out of the bottom of the staple cavities 2120 and/or the sleds 2340 from falling out of the bottom of the longitudinal slots 2115. The staple cartridge assembly 2300 is, however, replaceable and, even though it does not include a bottom cover, the staple cartridge assembly 2300 includes features which keep the staples and the sleds 2340 from falling out of the bottom 2316 of the cartridge body 2310, which are described in greater detail further below. Such features could be adapted to any of the staple cartridges disclosed herein.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 45-47, the cartridge body 2310 includes retention features configured to hold the sleds 2340 therein. For example, the cartridge body 2310 includes proximal retention features 2317 which are configured to hold the sleds 2340 in the longitudinal slots 2115 when the sleds 2340 are in their proximal, or unfired, positions. The sleds 2340 are in their unfired positions when the staple cartridge assembly 2300 is inserted, or loaded, into the jaw 2180 and, as a result, the proximal retention features 2317 retain the sleds 2340 in the cartridge body 2310 when the cartridge assembly 2300 is being handled by a clinician. Each retention feature 2317 includes an angled surface 2318 and a shoulder 2319. Each sled 2340 includes a corresponding recess 2348 configured to receive an angled surface 2318 and, in addition, a corresponding shoulder 2349 which can be aligned with and/or contact a shoulder 2319 of the retention feature 2317. When the sleds 2340 are inserted into the slots 2115, referring to FIG. 46, the ramps 2145 and/or the sidewalls of the cartridge 2310 can flex to permit the sleds 2340 to slide relative to the angled surfaces and then resiliently snap back to their original positions once the shoulders 2349 of the sleds 2340 have become aligned with the shoulders 2319 of the cartridge body 2310, as illustrated in FIG. 45. The retention features 2317 are also configured to prevent the sleds 2340 from sliding proximally out of the longitudinal slots 2115.

As a result of the above, the proximal retention features 2317 prevent the sleds 2340 from falling out of the cartridge body 2310 when a clinician is handling the staple cartridge assembly 2300. When the sleds 2340 are advanced distally to fire the staples, the sleds 2340 are no longer aligned with the proximal retention features 2317. At such point, however, the staple cartridge assembly 2300 is already in the jaw 2180 and sled retention features are no longer needed. That said, the cartridge body 2310 can include additional retention features which can hold the sleds 2340 in the cartridge body 2310 regardless of the position of the sleds 2340. Such retention features could be configured to hold the sleds 2340 in the cartridge body 2310 when the sleds 2340 are in their distal, or fully fired, positions, for example.

Further to the above, the staples of the staple cartridges disclosed herein can include one or more features configured to hold the staples in the staple cavities of the staple cartridge. Turning now to FIGS. 49 and 50, a staple 2330 includes a base 2331 and one or more staple legs 2332 extending from the base 2331. The staple 2330 is removably stored in a staple cavity 2320 in the cartridge body 2310, for example. The base 2331 comprises a protrusion 2338 extending therefrom which is engaged with a sidewall of the staple cavity 2320. The interaction between the protrusion 2338 and the staple cavity sidewall keeps the staple 2330 from falling out of the bottom 2316 of the cartridge body 2310. The interaction between the protrusion 2338 and the staple cavity sidewall comprises an interference fit; however, such an interference fit does not prevent the sleds 2340 from ejecting the staples 2330 from the staple cavities 2320. The protrusion 2338 can be formed in the base 2331 during a stamping process, for example. The stamping process can form the protrusion 2338 by creating a dent 2337 in the opposite side of the base 2331. The staple cavity 2320 includes a vertical groove 2328 which is aligned with the protrusion 2338. The groove 2328 increases the contact area between the sidewall of the staple cavity 2320 and the protrusion 2338. In addition, the groove 2328 can control the orientation of the staple 2330 within the staple cavity 2320. Alternative embodiments are envisioned which do not comprise the groove 2328.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, the staples stored in the staple cartridges disclosed herein can include staple legs which are resiliently engaged with the sidewalls of their staple cavities. Turning now to FIG. 51, a staple 2430 can include a base 2431 and staple legs 2432 and 2433 extending from the base 2431. The staples 2430 are similar to the staples 2130, 2330, and/or the other staples disclosed herein in many respects. A staple cartridge body 2410, for example, can include a plurality of staple cavities 2120 defined therein and a staple 2430 positioned in each staple cavity 2120. FIG. 51 depicts a staple 2430 positioned inside a cavity 2120 and a staple 2430 positioned outside a staple cavity 2120 of the cartridge body 2430. When the staples 2430 are not positioned in the staple cavities 2120, the staple legs 2432, 2433 do not extend in parallel directions; rather, they extend outwardly away from each other. When the staples 2430 are positioned in the staple cavities 2120, they are flexed inwardly by the sidewalls of the staple cavities 2120. Stated another way, the staple legs 2432, 2433 are resiliently biased against the sidewalls of the staple cavities and, owing to this biased engagement, the staples 2430 are inhibited from falling out of the bottom 2436 of the cartridge body 2410. As illustrated in FIG. 51, the distance between the staple legs 2432, 2433 when the staples 2130 are positioned in the staple cavities 2120 is X while the distance between the staple legs 2432, 2433 when the staples 2130 are not positioned in the staple cavities is larger than X.

In various embodiments, a cartridge body can include one or more shoulders which are configured to keep the staples stored therein from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body. The shoulders can at least partially extend underneath the staples.

In certain embodiments, the cartridge body of a staple cartridge assembly can be comprised of plastic and can be formed during an injection molding process, for example. The injection mold can include two halves which are movable toward and away from each other. The interface between the injection mold halves is often called a parting line and it is frequent that flashing, or seepage of the plastic between the mold halves, can occur at the parting line. In at least one embodiment, the parting line of an injection mold can be defined at the interfaces between the deck of the staple cartridge and the staple cavities defined in the deck. As a result of the above, plastic flashing can occur around the perimeter of the staple cavities. Such flashing can releasably hold the staples in the staple cartridge.

Referring again to FIG. 48, the cartridge body 2310 is configured to directly engage the jaw 2180. The jaw 2180 comprises one or more retention shoulders 2315 defined therein. The cartridge body 2310 comprises corresponding retention shoulders 2187 which co-operate with the retention shoulders 2315 to releasably retain the cartridge body 2310 in the jaw 2180. The cartridge body 2310 and/or the jaw 2180 further comprise ramp surfaces 2314 which are configured to facilitate the insertion of the cartridge body 2310 into the jaw 2180. As a result of the above, the cartridge body 2310 can have a snap-fit relationship with the jaw 2180. The snap-fit relationship can be overcome by prying the cartridge body 2310 out of the jaw 2180 such that the staple cartridge assembly 2300 can be replaced.

A staple 2530 is illustrated in FIGS. 52-56. The staple 2530 is similar to the staples 2130, 2330, 2340, and/or the other staples disclosed herein in many respects. The staple 2530 comprises a base 2531 and legs 2532 and 2533 extending from the base 2531. The staple 2530 also includes a projection 2538 extending upwardly from the base 2531. The projection 2538 is aligned with the staple driving plane which includes the base 2531 and is not aligned with tissue capture plane including the staple legs 2532 and 2533. The projections 2538 can compress the tissue outside of the staple capture plane.

A staple cartridge assembly 2600 is illustrated in FIGS. 57-64. The staple cartridge 2600 comprises a cartridge body 2610 including a plurality of staple cavities 2220 defined therein. The staple cartridge 2600 further comprises a staple 2530 positioned in each staple cavity 2220 and sleds 2640 configured to eject the staples 2530 from the staple cavities 2220. The sleds 2640 are similar to the sleds 2140 in many respects. Each sled 2640 comprises a plurality of ramps 2645 wherein each ramp 2645 comprises a drive surface 2641 configured to slide under the staples 2530 and lift the staples 2530 within the staple cavities 2220. Each drive surface 2641 includes an inclined surface 2643 bounded by lateral sidewalls 2649 which define a guide channel that aligns the staples 2530 with respect to the drive surfaces 2641 and/or the staple cavities 2220. The guide channel is configured to receive the bases 2531 of the staples 2530 between the sidewalls 2649 and orient the staples 2530 laterally as the sled 2640 is advanced distally. Such lateral re-alignment is apparent upon comparing FIGS. 58 and 59. Referring again to FIGS. 52-56, each staple 2530 comprises a guide feature 2139 defined on the bases 2531 thereof. The guide feature 2139 of each staple 2530 comprises a curved end, for example, which is configured to interact with the lateral sidewalls 2649 of the guide channels and adjust the lateral position of the staples 2530. In various other embodiments, the guide features 2139 can comprise any suitable configuration.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, referring primarily to FIG. 60, the sleds 2640 comprise guide channels 2646 which are configured to receive the downwardly depending feet 2134 of the staples 2530 and orient the staples 2530 with respect to the drive surfaces 2641 and/or the staple cavities 2220. Each guide channel 2646 comprises a ramp portion 2648 and lateral sidewalls. The guide channels 2646 are configured to receive the bases 2531 of the staples 2530 between the sidewalls of the channels 2646 and orient the staples 2530 laterally as the sled 2640 is advanced distally. Referring primarily to FIG. 61, each foot 2134 comprises lead-in, or beveled, surfaces 2137 which are configured to interact with the sidewalls of the channels 2646 to guide the staples 2530 into the channels 2646. That said, the feet 2134 can comprise any suitable geometry which facilitates the entry of the staples 2530 into the channels 2646. The reader should appreciate that, as the staples 2530 are driven upwardly within the staple cavities 2220 by the drive surfaces 2641, the feet 2134 of the staples 2530 lift out of the channels 2646. By the time that the staples 2530 are being formed by the apexes 2644 of the drive surfaces 2641, the feet 2134 are no longer positioned in the channels 2646.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 58, 59, and 64, the channels 2646 can also align the sleds 2640 with respect to the cartridge body 2610. More particularly, the cartridge body 2610 further comprises longitudinal rails 2616 extending downwardly into the channels 2646. The rails 2616 are closely received in the channels 2646 to limit or prevent lateral movement between the sleds 2640 and the cartridge body 2610 while permit the longitudinal movement of the sleds 2640 needed to fire the staples 2530 as outlined above. The foot 2134 of each staple 2530 is configured to properly orient the staple 2530 within its staple cavity 2220 in the event that the staple 2530 is misoriented within the staple cavity 2220.

The arrangements disclosed herein allow for a staple cartridge to be more compact than previous staple cartridges. Among other things, the staple cartridges disclosed herein that do not utilize staple drivers between the firing member and the staples, i.e., driverless staple cartridges, allow the staple cartridges to have a shorter overall height. Similarly, the staple cartridges that do not include a bottom cover also allow the staple cartridges to have a shorter overall height. Driverless staple cartridges can also allow smaller staple cavities to be utilized. Turning now to FIGS. 67 and 68, a cartridge body 2910 includes staple cavities 2920 and a longitudinal slot 2013 defined therein. FIGS. 67 and 68 show the bottom 2916 of the cartridge body 2910 and the bottom openings of the staple cavities 2920. The reader should appreciate that the staple cavities 2920 are sized and configured to receive staple drivers for driving the staples out of the cartridge body 2910. Turning now to FIGS. 69 and 70 which depicts the bottom 2016 of the cartridge body 2010, the staple cavities 2020 of the cartridge body 2010 are smaller than the staple cavities 2920. As the reader will recall, drivers are not positioned in the staple cavities 2020 and, as a result, the size of the staple cavities 2020 can be reduced. FIG. 71 compares the bottom 2916 of the cartridge body 2910 to the bottom 3016 of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge body 3010. As can be seen in FIG. 71, the cartridge body 3010 includes longitudinal rows of staple cavities 3020 which are much narrower than the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 2920. In various instances, such narrower staple cavities can permit the center lines of the longitudinal rows of staple cavities to be closer to one another. Turning now to FIG. 72, a staple cartridge body 3110 includes longitudinal rows of staple cavities 3120 a, 3120 b, and 3120 c defined in a deck 3114 of the cartridge body 3110 which are positioned closer together than would be permitted in embodiments which use staple drivers to lift the staples within the cartridge body.

The various embodiments of the staple cartridge assemblies disclosed herein can have any suitable number of staples and/or any suitable size of staples. In certain instances, all of the staples stored in the staple cartridge assembly 2000 (FIG. 73) have the same, or at least substantially the same, size. Referring to FIG. 77, each staple 2130 in the staple cartridge 2000 comprises an unformed, or unfired, overall height H1 defined between the bottom of the base 2131 and the tips of the staple legs 2132, 2133. Similarly, each staple 2130 comprises a tissue capture area defined between the top of the base 2131 and the tips of the staple legs 2132, 2133 which has the same height H2 when the staples 2130 are in their unformed height.

In contrast to the above, a first group of staples stored in the staple cartridge 2000 can have a first unformed height H1 and a second group of staples can have a second unformed height H1 which is different than the first unformed height H1. Also in contrast to the above, a first group of staples stored in the staple cartridge 2000 can have a first tissue capture height H2 and a second group of staples can have a second tissue capture height H2 which is different than the first tissue capture height H2.

The first group of staples can be positioned in a first longitudinal row of staple cavities 2120 while the second group of staples can be positioned in a second longitudinal row of staple cavities 2120. In at least one instance, the first row of staple cavities 2120 can be adjacent the knife slot 2013 in the step 2014″ of the cartridge body 2010 while the second row of staple cavities 2120 can be adjacent the first row of staple cavities 2120 in the step 2014′ of the cartridge body 2010. In at least one such instance, the first unformed height H1 is shorter than the second unformed height H1, for example.

Further to the above, a third group of staples stored in the staple cartridge 2000 can have a third unformed height H1 which is different than the first unformed height H1 and/or the second unformed height H1. The third group of staples can be positioned in a third longitudinal row of staple cavities 2120. In at least one instance, the third row of staple cavities 2120 can be adjacent the second row of staple cavities 2120 in the deck 2014 of the cartridge body 2010. In at least one such instance, the second unformed height H1 is shorter than the third unformed height H1, for example. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the third group of staples can have a third tissue capture height H2 which is larger than the second tissue capture height H2.

In various embodiments, the first group of staples, the second group of staples, and/or the third group of staples can be deformed to the same overall formed height. Alternatively, the first group of staples can be deformed to a first formed height, the second group of staples can be deformed to a second formed height, and/or the third group of staples can be deformed to a third formed height. In such instances, the first group of staples can apply a larger pressure to the tissue than the second group of staples and, similarly, the second group of staples can apply a larger pressure to the tissue than the third group of staples.

Turning now to FIGS. 74-76, staples having the same unformed height can be deformed to different formed heights. For example, a first longitudinal row of staples, represented by staples 2130″, can be deformed to a first formed height, a second longitudinal row of staples, represented by staples 2130′, can be deformed to a second formed height, and/or a third row of staples, represented by staples 2130, can be deformed to a third formed height. The first formed height is shorter than the second formed height, and the second formed height is shorter than the third formed height, for example. In such instances, the first group of staples can apply a larger pressure to the tissue than the second group of staples and, similarly, the second group of staples can apply a larger pressure to the third group of staples.

A staple 3230 is illustrated in FIGS. 78 and 79. The staple 3230 comprises a base, or crown, 3231, a first leg 3232 extending from the base 3231, and a second leg 3233 extending from the base 3231. Similar to the base 2131 of the staple 2130, the base 3231 of the staple 3230 includes an inclined drive surface defined in a drive plane. Unlike staple 2130, however, the first leg 3232 and the second leg 3233 define a staple forming plane which is transverse to, or non-parallel to, the drive plane.

The staple 3230 further includes a platform 3238 extending from the base 3231. The platform 3238 is integrally formed with the base 3231 and has been folded over such that the platform 3238 extends laterally from the base 3231. The platform 3238 is not directly connected to the legs 3232, 3233. Instead, gaps 3237 are present between the platform 3238 and the legs 3232, 3233. In various other embodiments, the platform 3238 is directly connected to the first leg 3232 and/or the second leg 3233. The platform 3238 extends in a plane, i.e., a support plane, which is transverse to the drive plane and the staple forming plane; however, the platform 3238 can extend in any suitable direction. The platform 3238 is flat, or at least substantially flat; however, the platform 3238 can comprise any suitable shape.

In certain embodiments, the platforms 3238 of the staples 3230 can contact the tissue being stapled when the staples 3230 are implanted into the tissue. The wider platform 3238 can reduce the possibility of the staples 3230 tearing through the tissue.

In various embodiments, a staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body including a deck and staple cavities defined in the deck. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples 3230 removably stored in the staple cavities and, in addition, an implantable layer positioned over the deck. The implantable layer can comprise any suitable adjunct such as a tissue thickness compensator and/or a buttress material, for example. A tissue thickness compensator can compensate for variations in the thickness of the tissue being stapled. The implantable layer can be comprised of a woven material and/or a non-woven material, for example.

Further to the above, the platforms 3238 of the staples 3230 can abut the layer when the staples 3230 are implanted into the tissue. In such instances, the platforms 3238 support the layer. Similar to the above, the platforms 3238 can also reduce the possibility of the staples 3230 tearing through the layer. The platforms 3238 of the staples 3230 and the layer can form a co-operative system which distributes the forces, stresses, and/or strains being applied to the tissue over a larger area.

The staple 3230 is formed from a flat sheet of material utilizing a stamping process. During the stamping process, material is removed from the sheet to create the general shape of the staple 3230. The first leg 3232 is bent in a first direction and the second leg 3233 is bent in a second direction; however, both the first leg 3232 and the second leg 3233 can be bent in any suitable direction by a die utilizing a single line of action. The platform 3238 is bent in the same direction as the first leg 3232 during the stamping process, and/or a different stamping process. In certain instances, the platform 3238 can be created utilizing the same single line of action that creates the legs 3232 and 3233. In other instances, the platform 3238 can be created utilizing a second line of action which is transverse or orthogonal to the first line of action.

Turning now to FIG. 86, a staple 3630 comprises a base, or crown, 3631, and legs 3632 and 3633 extending from the base 3631. Similar to the staple 3230, the staple 3630 further comprises a platform 3638 extending from the base 3631. The reader should appreciate that the platform 3238 of the staple 3230 and the platform 3638 of the staple 3630 can increase the moment of inertia, or stiffness, of the staples. The staple 3630 comprises a relief, or flex, slot 3637 in the base 3631 which decreases the stiffness of the staple 3630, for example. Additionally, or alternatively, a relief slot could be provided in the platform 3638. In any event, more than one relief slot could be utilized to provide the desired stiffness of the staple 3630. Moreover, such relief slots could be adapted to any of the staples disclosed herein.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, turning now to FIGS. 80 and 81, a staple assembly 3330 comprises a staple 3230 and an implantable adjunct 3370 attached to the staple 3230. The adjunct 3370 comprises a first end including a first aperture 3372 configured to receive the first leg 3232 of the staple 3230 and a second aperture 3373 configured to receive the second leg 3233. As a result, the adjunct 3370 is tethered to the staple legs 3232, 3233 and the movement of the adjunct 3370 relative to the staple 3230 is constrained.

Further to the above, the adjunct 3370 comprises a resilient portion 3371 which extends over the platform 3238 of the staple 3230. A gap 3377 is present between the resilient portion 3371 of the adjunct 3370 and the platform 3238 of the staple 3230 when the staple assembly 3330 is stored in a staple cartridge. When the staple assembly 3330 is ejected from the staple cartridge, the staple legs 3232, 3233 of the staples 3230 penetrate the tissue being stapled and the resilient portion 3371 of the adjunct 3370 comes into contact with the tissue. The resilient portion 3371 is configured to flex, deflect, and/or displace downwardly toward the platform 3238 when the adjunct 3370 comes into contact with the tissue. The resilient portion 3371 can apply a biasing force to the tissue when the tissue is captured within the staple 3230. The movement of the resilient portion 3371 is at least partially constrained by the platform 3238.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, turning now to FIG. 84, a staple assembly 3430 comprises a staple 3630 and an implantable adjunct 3470 attached to the staple 3230. The adjunct 3470 comprises a first end including a first aperture 3472 configured to receive the first leg 3632 of the staple 3630 and a second aperture 3473 configured to receive the second leg 3633. As a result, the adjunct 3470 is tethered to the staple legs 3632, 3633 and the movement of the adjunct 3470 relative to the staple 3630 is constrained.

Further to the above, the adjunct 3470 comprises a resilient portion 3471 which extends over the platform 3638 of the staple 3630. Very little, if any, gap is present between the resilient portion 3471 of the adjunct 3470 and the platform 3638 of the staple 3630 when the staple assembly 3430 is stored in a staple cartridge. When the staple assembly 3430 is ejected from the staple cartridge, the staple legs 3632, 3633 of the staple 3630 penetrate the tissue being stapled and the resilient portion 3471 of the adjunct 3470 comes into contact with the tissue. Referring to FIG. 85, the resilient portion 3471 is configured to flex, deflect, and/or displace downwardly toward the platform 3638 when the adjunct 3470 comes into contact with the tissue. The resilient portion 3471 can apply a biasing force to the tissue when the tissue is captured within the staple 3630. The movement of the resilient portion 3471 is at least partially constrained by the platform 3638.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 82 and 83, the resilient portion 3471 of the adjunct 3470 comprises an enclosure. The enclosure is sealed and includes at least one material therein. In various instances, the material comprises a medicament. The medicament is released from the enclosure when the enclosure is ruptured. The enclosure can rupture when the staple assembly 3430 is implanted in the tissue or after a period of time. The adjunct 3470 is comprised of any suitable biocompatible material and, when the biocompatible material comprises a bioabsorbable material, the adjunct 3470 can be absorbed in situ. After a sufficient amount of the adjunct 3470 has been absorbed, the medicament can be released from the adjunct 3470. In various alternative embodiments, an adjunct comprises two separate enclosures. In at least one such embodiment, a first enclosure can contain a first medicament and a second enclosure can contain a second medicament. The first medicament can mix with the second medicament when the enclosures have been ruptured.

Further to the above, the material in the chamber of the resilient portion 3471 can be selected for its mechanical properties such as its elasticity, for example, and can provide the resilient portion 3471 with desirable properties to apply a sufficient biasing force to the tissue. In at least one instance, it may be desirable for the resilient portion 3471 to have mechanical properties which closely resemble that of patient tissue. In other instances, it may be desirable for the resilient portion 3471 to have a stiffness less than the stiffness of patient tissue, for example. Such embodiments may provide a suitable constriction of blood flow within the tissue. In some instances, it may be desirable for the resilient portion 3471 to have a stiffness which is less than the stiffness of the base 3631 but greater than the stiffness of the patient tissue, for example. Such embodiments may provide strain relief to the tissue.

The adjuncts 3370, 3470 can be comprised of a woven material and/or a non-woven material. In at least one instance, the adjuncts 3370, 3470 comprise shells which are comprised of a woven material and/or a non-woven material. The adjuncts 3370, 3470 can be comprised of PGA and/or PLA, for example. In at least one instance, the adjuncts 3370, 3470 comprise shells which are comprised of PGA and/or PLA, for example.

The adjuncts 3370, 3470 are configured to be attached to a single staple. Stated another way, each adjunct 3370, 3470 are only attached to one staple. Such adjuncts can be referred to as pledgets. Alternative embodiments are envisioned in which two or more staples are connected by an adjunct.

Turning now to FIGS. 88 and 89, the various staples disclosed herein, such as staples 2130, for example, can be implanted into the tissue of a patient in longitudinal rows. Two longitudinal rows of staples 2130 are depicted in FIGS. 88 and 89. In various instances, the tissue may stretch in various directions, such as longitudinally, for example. The longitudinal stretch of tissue T is depicted in FIG. 89. As can be seen in FIG. 89, the rows of staples 2130 can stretch along with the tissue T. In such instances, the gaps between the staples 2130 can increase. This gap increase is readily apparent when comparing the unstretched gap distance X1 (FIG. 88) to the stretched gap distance X2 (FIG. 89). The staples 2130 in a third longitudinal row can be positioned and arranged such that they are aligned with or co-extensive with the gaps whether or not the gaps are stretched (X2) or unstretched (X1). Such concepts could be readily adapted to circular and/or curved staple rows, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 87, a circular cartridge body 3510, for example, can utilize the staple assemblies 3430. The cartridge body 3510 comprises a plurality of staple cavities 3520 arranged in circular, concentric rows. As illustrated in FIG. 87, each staple cavity includes a staple assembly 3430 positioned therein; however, any suitable staple could be utilized.

The staples disclosed herein can be comprised of any suitable material. In various instances, the staples are comprised of stainless steel and/or titanium, for example. In certain instances, the staples disclosed herein are comprised of magnesium. The entire disclosures of COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF Mg-6Zn AND Ti-3Al-2.5V ALLOYS ON TGF-β/TNF-α/VEGF/b-FGF IN THE HEALING OF THE INTESTINAL TRACT IN VIVO, Biomed. Mater. 9 (2014) 025011, by Yan et al.; COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF Mg-6Zn AND TITANIUM ON INTESTINAL TRACT IN VIVO, J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Med., by Yan et al. which published online on Mar. 20, 2013; EVALUATION OF THE SOFT TISSUE BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF MgCa0.8 AND SURGICAL STEEL 316L IN VIVO: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN RABBITS, Biomed. Eng. OnLine 2010 9:63, by Erdmann et al.; INVESTIGATION OF THE MECHANICAL AND DEGRADATION PROPERTIES OF Mg—Sr AND Mg—Zn—Sr ALLOYS FOR USE AS POTENTIAL BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT MATERIALS, J. Mech. Behavior of Biomed. Mat. 7 (2012) 87-95, by Brar et al.; Mg—Zr—Sr ALLOYS AS BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT MATERIALS, Acta Biomaterialia 8 (2012) 3177-3188, by Li et al.; ON THE BIODEGRADABILITY, MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR, AND CYTOCOMPATABILITY OF AMORPHOUS Mg₇₂Zn₂₃Ca₆ AND CRYSTALLINE Mg₇₀Zn₂₃Ca₅Pd₂ ALLOYS AS TEMPORARY IMPLANT MATERIALS, Soc. Biomat., by Pellicer et al., which published online on Aug. 28, 2012, are incorporated by reference herein. In at least one instance, the staples are comprised of a magnesium alloy including zinc and/or silver, for example. Staples including alloys of magnesium and zinc increase the healing performance of tissue. Staples including silver provide anti-microbial benefits. Staples including all three alloys provide a synergistic dynamic.

Staples comprised of magnesium, including those comprised of a magnesium alloy, can be treated to improve the hardness of the staples. In various instances, a magnesium nitride coating is applied to the magnesium staples. The magnesium nitride coating is applied the entirety of the magnesium staples in certain instances while, in other instances, the magnesium nitride coating is applied to only portions of the magnesium staples. For instance, it may be desirable to coat only the staple legs and/or the tips of the staple legs in magnesium nitride as the staple legs need to have a sufficient hardness to penetrate the tissue. In at least one such instance, a mask can be applied to the remainder of the magnesium staple when the magnesium nitride coating is applied to the staple legs. The magnesium nitride coating can be created by introducing the magnesium staples to a nitrogen-rich environment at an elevated temperature and/or pressure, for example.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, one or more surfaces of the magnesium staples can include a coating including carbon.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, other surface hardening techniques could be utilized. For example, the magnesium staples could be hardened using a laser hardening process and/or a plasma discharge hardening process. In at least one instance, a KERONITE ceramic surface treatment, by Keronite International, can be applied to the staples.

As discussed above, certain portions of the magnesium staples may undergo a hardening process while other portions of the magnesium staples may not undergo a hardening process. In some instances, certain portions of the magnesium staples can be hardened to a first hardness while other portions of the magnesium staples can be hardened to a second hardness which is different than the first hardness. The portions of the magnesium staples having a lower hardness will elude magnesium, zinc, and/or silver ions, for example, faster than the portions of the magnesium staples having a higher hardness.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, magnesium staples, including those comprised of a magnesium alloy, can be at least partially covered in a coating including silver. In at least one instance, the silver coating can include ionized silver, for example. In certain instances, an electroplating process can be utilized to apply the silver coating to the magnesium staples. In various instances, the entirety of the magnesium staples are covered in a silver coating. In at least one instance, a portion, or portions, of the magnesium staples are masked during the electroplating process such that the masked portions are not coated, or at least substantially coated, in silver.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, the staples disclosed herein can be coated, or at least partially coated, in an anti-microbial coating. Such a coating can comprise triclosan, for example. In at least one instance, the triclosan is mixed in an absorbable polymer coating. In certain instances, the coating can comprise LAE intermixed with sodium stearate, for example. The entire disclosure of WO 2012/013577 A1, entitled COMPOSITION FOR COATING MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING LAE AND A POLYCATIONIC AMPHOTERIC POLYMER, by Gaffar et al., is incorporated by reference herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 90-92, a staple 3730 comprises a metal frame and a coating 3739 on less than the entirety of the metal frame. The metal frame includes the staple 2130 and is comprised of magnesium and/or a magnesium alloy, for example. The coating 3739 includes a bioabsorbable polymer; however, the coating 3739 can comprise any suitable material. The coating 3739 extends around the legs 2132, 2133 of the metal frame 2130. More specifically, the coating 3739 spirals around each of the legs 2132, 2133; however, any suitable arrangement of the coating 3739 could be utilized. The coating 3739 also covers the transitions, or corners, between the legs 2132, 2133 and the base, or crown, 2131 of the metal frame 2130. The coating 3739 could also cover a portion of the base 2131. In various instances, the coating 3739 can be strategically applied to areas of the metal frame 2130 that are inherently susceptible to faster bioabsorption, such as the bends, edges, and/or corners of the metal frame 2130, for example. In any event, a portion of the metal frame 2130 is covered by the coating 3739 while a portion of the metal frame 2130 is exposed.

The magnesium, or magnesium alloy, metal frame 2130 is bioabsorbable. Referring primarily to FIG. 91, the portions of the metal frame 2130 that are not covered by the coating 3739 are directly exposed to the body when implanted, and, thus, immediately subjected to the body's natural absorption process. The portions of the metal frame 2130 that are covered by the coating 3739 are not directly exposed to the body, at least not initially, when implanted. The coating 3739 protects, or at least somewhat protects, the portions of the metal frame 2130 that it covers and delays the bioabsorption of such portions. Over time, referring primarily to FIG. 92, the unprotected portions of the metal frame 2130 will bioabsorb, leaving behind the portions of the metal frame 2130 that are protected by the coating 3739. The coating 3739 can substantially encapsulate the portions of the metal frame 2130 that it covers, at least until the coating 3739 itself is bioabsorbed and/or until the metal frame 2130 has sufficiently broken apart. At such point, the portions of the metal frame 2130 that the coating 3739 once protected are exposed and can be bioabsorbed by the body.

The bioabsorbable polymer of the coating 3739 can be comprised of PGA and/or PLA, for example; however, the coating 3739 can be comprised of any suitable material including, but not limited to, bioabsorbable polymers and non-bioabsorbable polymers. In certain instances, the coating 3739 comprises a non cross-linked polymer, for example. Such a polymer can cause the coating 3739 to swell and encapsulate any sharp edges of the metal frame 2130 that are created when the metal frame 2130 deteriorates.

In various embodiments, the coating 3739 can be arranged in a grid, mesh, and/or lattice arrangement on the metal frame 2130 In such an embodiment, the metal frame 2130 can be exposed in the openings in the grid which can allow the metal frame 2130 to be bioabsorbed in such openings. As the metal frame 2130 begins to deteriorate, the latticed coating 3739 can act as a net or cage and hold the fragments of the metal frame 2130 together, for example, at least until the coating 3739 is bioabsorbed.

The coating 3739 can be applied to the metal frame 2130 in any suitable manner. In at least one instance, the coating 3739 can be sprayed onto the metal frame 2130 such that the coating 3739 is applied in a random manner which creates random openings through which the metal frame 2130 can be bioabsorbed. In certain other instances, the coating 3739 can be applied to the metal frame 2130 in a pattern. In at least one such instance, the pattern can include a dot-matrix pattern having islands of coating surrounded by exposed portions of the metal frame 2130.

In certain alternative embodiments, a staple can include two or more coatings. In at least one such instance, a first coating can be bioabsorbed at a first rate and a second coating can be bioabsorbed at a second rate to expose different portions of the metal frame 2130 at different times during the healing process, for example. Such staples can still have uncovered portions; however, it is contemplated that every portion of a staple could be covered by at least one or more coatings.

The therapeutic benefits provided by the materials disclosed herein are a function of the surface area of the staples that is exposed to the patient's body. Staples having a larger surface area may deliver such therapeutic benefits faster than staples having a smaller surface area. That said, staples having a smaller surface area may provide such therapeutic benefits over a longer period of time. Nonetheless, the surface area of the staples disclosed herein can be increased by introducing apertures into the staples. For instance, one or more apertures, or through holes, can be created in the base, or crown, 2131 of the staple 2130, for example. The through holes can permit tissue to grow through the staple 2130 and improve the assimilation of the staple 2130 into the body.

In at least one embodiment, further to the above, the coating 3739 is not positioned in the apertures as the coating 3739 would reduce the available surface absorption area of the staple 2130. However, if delaying the bioabsorption of these staple portions is desired, the apertures in the staple 2130 could be filled, or at least partially filled, with the coating 3739. As discussed above, the coating 3739 can be configured to delay the absorption of the underlying metal frame; however, any suitable coating could be utilized. For example, a coating on the metal frame could encourage tissue ingrowth into the structure of the staple. In at least one such instance, the coating comprises small micropillars that create a porous and/or prickly interaction with the tissue.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a suture, or string, can extend through the apertures defined in the staples. Such a suture can tether the staples together. In various instances, the suture is threaded through the apertures while the staples are positioned in the staple cartridge. In other instances, the suture is threaded through the apertures after the staples have been implanted into the tissue. In at least one embodiment, the suture is positioned in a groove defined in the deck of the staple cartridge and the staples each comprise a slot or hook defined therein which is configured to catch the suture as the staples are being deployed. In any event, the suture can be pulled to gather the stapled tissue together, such as in a purse-string tissue gathering technique, for example.

In various embodiments, the staples disclosed herein can comprise barbs. In at least one instance, barbs are defined on the staple leg such that the barbs engage a layer that is implanted with the tissue. Such barbs can reduce relative movement between the layer and the staples. In certain embodiments, barbs are defined on the base of the staple. Such barbs can grip a layer of tissue positioned adjacent the implanted staples.

A circular surgical stapler 5000 is depicted in FIGS. 93-95. The circular surgical stapler 5000 comprises a frame assembly 5020 comprising an attachment portion 5021 configured to operably couple an anvil to the circular surgical stapler 5000. The circular surgical stapler 5000 further comprises a knife member 5040 configured to incise tissue captured by the circular surgical stapler 5000, a surgical staple cartridge 5010 which removably stores a plurality of staples 5051 therein, and a pusher assembly, or driver, 5030 configured to eject the staples 5051 out of the staple cartridge 5010. The surgical staple cartridge 5010 comprises a cartridge deck 5013 and a plurality of staple cavities 5011 defined in the cartridge deck 5013 which removably store the staples 5051. The staples 5051 are similar to the staples discussed in greater detail herein, however, any suitable staple may be used. The staples 5051 comprise staple legs in a plane which is offset from a plane defined by the staple base portion.

Referring primarily to FIG. 95, the staple cavities 5011 of the staple cartridge 5010 comprise an inner row of staple cavities 5011A, an intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B, and an outer row of staple cavities 5011C. Staple row spacing may can include any suitable spacing; however, nested rows may be closer together than non-nested rows. The intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B is positioned radially outward with respect to the inner row of staple cavities 5011A. The outer row of staple cavities 5011C is positioned radially outward with respect to the intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B. The staple cavities 5011A in the inner row comprise an orientation which orients the staple legs of the staples 5051 stored therein such that the staple legs extend radially outward with respect to the staple base. The intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B and the outer row of staple cavities 5011C comprise an orientation which orients the staple legs of the staples 5051 stored therein such that the staple legs extend radially inward with respect to the staple bases.

The staple cavities 5011A in the inner row define a plurality of first gaps therebetween having a distance A. The intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B define a plurality of second gaps with a distance B. The outer row of staple cavities 5011C define a plurality of third gaps with a distance C. The distance A is less than the distances B and C. The distance B is greater than the distance A but less than the distance C. The distance C is greater than the distances A and B. The cavities 5011 are arranged such that the first gaps comprise a distance which is greater than the distances of the second gaps and/or the third gaps. The cavities 5011 are arranged such that the third gaps comprise a distance which is less than the distances of the first gaps and/or the second gaps. Embodiments are envisioned where there are no gaps associated with one or more rows of staple cavities.

The intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B are arranged such that the cavities 5011B overlap the first gaps defined by the inner row of staple cavities 5011A in order to compensate for the lack of tissue ligation in the first gaps. The outer row of staple cavities 5011C are arranged such that the cavities 5011C overlap the second gaps defined by the intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B in order to compensate for the lack of tissue ligation in the second gaps. Overlapping these fastening gaps with such an arrangement increases the ligation ability of the circular surgical stapler 5000. This arrangement also permits the fastened tissue to flex upon fastening. Conventional arrangements utilize greater quantities of staples in the intermediate and/or outer rows in order to increase ligation efficiency; however, such conventional arrangements can limit tissue flexibility after fastening.

FIGS. 96-98 illustrate a circular surgical stapler 5100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The circular surgical stapler 5100 comprises a frame assembly 5120 comprising an attachment portion configured to operably couple an anvil to the circular surgical stapler 5100. The circular surgical stapler 5100 further comprises a knife member 5140 configured to incise tissue captured by the circular surgical stapler 5100, a surgical staple cartridge 5110 which removably stores a plurality of staples 5151 therein, and a pusher assembly, or driver, 5130 configured to eject the staples 5151 out of the staple cartridge 5110. The pusher assembly 5130 comprises an inner row of staple drivers 5130A, an intermediate row of staple drivers 5130B, and an outer row of staple drivers 5130C. The surgical staple cartridge 5110 comprises a cartridge deck 5113 and a plurality of staple cavities 5111 defined in the cartridge deck 5113 which removably store the staples 5151 therein. The surgical staple cartridge 5110 further comprises a plurality of deck features, or staple supports, or guides, 5115 configured to support, guide, and/or control the staples 5151 when the staples 5151 are ejected from the staple cartridge 5110. The deck features, or cavity extenders, 5115 can have a multitude of purposes such as aiding in the gripping of tissue intermediate the anvil and the staple cartridge 5110 and/or storing, releasing, and delivering a medicament to tissue captured with the stapler 5100, for example.

The staple cavities 5111 of the staple cartridge 5110 are similar to the staple cavities 5011 in many respects. The staple cavities 5111 comprise an inner row of staple cavities 5111A, an intermediate row of staple cavities 5111B, and an outer row of staple cavities 5111C. The deck features 5115 comprise a plurality of first deck features 5115A, a plurality of second deck features 5115B, and a plurality of third deck features 5115C. Each first deck feature 5115A comprises an intermediate portion 5116 and two outer portions 5117 to define a T-configuration. The intermediate portion 5116 sits between two staple cavities 5111A and extends from the deck 5113 to guide and/or support neighboring staple legs. The outer portions 5117 branch off of the intermediate portion 5116 in at least substantially opposite directions and extend from the deck 5113 to guide and/or support a portion of a staple base. Combining deck features for more than one cavity in such a manner can save space on the cartridge deck 5113.

Each second deck feature 5115B and each third deck feature 5115C comprise an intermediate portion 5118 and two outer portions 5119 to define a cavity-surrounding configuration. The intermediate portion 5118 extends from the deck 5113 to guide and/or support staple bases of staples removably stored in the intermediate row of staple cavities 5111B and the outer row of staple cavities 5111C. The two outer portions 5119 branch off from the intermediate portion 5118 to support the staple legs that extend from the staple base that the intermediate portion 5118 is guiding and/or supporting.

FIG. 99 illustrates a circular stapling configuration 5200 for use with a circular surgical stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment. The circular stapling configuration 5200 is an arrangement of staples employable with a circular staple cartridge. A circular staple cartridge employing the circular stapling configuration 5200 comprises corresponding staple cavities to removably store the staples discussed herein. The circular stapling configuration 5200 comprises a plurality of staples 5210 comprising an inner row of staples 5213, an intermediate row of staples 5215, and an outer row of staples 5217. Each staple 5213 is orientated such that its staple legs face outward toward the outer row of staples 5217. Each staple 5215 is orientated such that its staple legs face inward toward the inner row of staples 5113. Each staple 5217 is orientated such that its staple legs face outward away from the inner row of staples 5213 and the intermediate row of staples 5215. Each staple row may reside a certain distance from each other staple row and/or the cutting member to better control blood flow and/or predict tissue behavior at certain points within the stapled tissue.

The outer row of staples 5217 comprise different characteristics than the inner and/or intermediate row of staples 5213, 5215. For example, in various instances, the outer row of staples 5217 are formed into a larger “B” formation resulting in a greater capture volume and/or taller staple forming height to alleviate high tissue compression near the outer row of staples 5217. A larger B formation may also improve blood flow toward the inner rows. In various instances, the outer row of staples 5217 comprise a greater resistance to unfolding by utilizing a larger staple crown, staple leg widths, and/or staple leg thicknesses.

The quantity of staples used in each row of staples can vary in a circular and/or linear surgical staple cartridge. The outer row of staples 5217 comprise a first quantity, the intermediate row of staples 5215 comprise a second quantity, and the inner row of staples 5213 comprise a third quantity. FIG. 99 illustrates a scenario where the first quantity is equal to the second quantity, but, greater than the third quantity. In various embodiments, the first quantity, the second quantity, and the third quantity are different. In various embodiments, the first quantity is greater than the second quantity and the second quantity is greater than the third quantity.

Varying staple crown widths between staple rows can provide an effective and/or efficient stapling arrangement. For example, each outer row staple 5217 comprises a staple crown having a width that is greater than the crown width of each inner row staple 5213 and each intermediate row staple 5215. The staple crown of each outer row staple 5217 is bent laterally in order have a larger crown width staple while maintaining the compact circular stapling arrangement. Some embodiments are envisioned where the crown of each outer row staple 5217 is curved. One advantage of bending or curving the crown of the outer row staples 5217 can include being able to nest the outer row staples 5217 closer to the intermediate row staples 5215 and the inner row staples 5213, for example. Each outer row staple 5217 spans a plurality of gaps defined between the inner row staples 5213 and/or the intermediate row staples 5215. Each intermediate row staple 5215 spans, overlaps, or covers each gap defined between the inner row of staples 5213.

In various embodiments the gaps defined by the inner row staples 5213 can be varied based on the radial position of the row of inner staples. For example, a row of inner staples having a diameter much less than the diameter of the intestine being stapled may comprise much larger gaps between the inner row staples to provide radial flexibility, and/or expansion. A row of inner staples having a diameter less than, but closer to, the diameter of the intestine being stapled may comprise smaller gaps between the inner row staples because, in this instance, vast expansion and/or flexibility may not be necessary.

FIG. 100 illustrates a circular stapling configuration 5300 for use with a circular surgical stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment. The circular stapling configuration 5300 is an arrangement of staples employable with a circular staple cartridge. A circular staple cartridge employing the circular stapling configuration 5300 comprises corresponding staple cavities to removably store the staples discussed herein. The circular stapling configuration 5300 comprises a plurality of staples 5310 comprising inner row staples 5313A, 5313B, intermediate row staples 5315C, 5315D, and outer row staples 5317E, 5317F. Each staple 5313A, 5313B is orientated such that the staple legs thereof face outward toward the outer row staples 5317E, 5317F. Each staple 5315C, 5315D is orientated such that the staple legs thereof face inward toward the inner row staples 5313A, 5313B. Each staple 5317E, 5317F is orientated such that the staple legs thereof face outward away from the inner row staples 5313A, 5313B and the intermediate row staples 5315C, 5315D. Embodiments are envisioned where various staples within the same row face opposite directions. Embodiments are envisioned where every staple in every row faces the same direction. Embodiments are envisioned where the inner row staples face inward, the intermediate row staples face outward, and the outer row staples face inward, for example.

Varying staple crown widths between and within staple rows can also provide an effective and/or efficient stapling arrangement. For example, the inner row staples 5313A, 5313B each comprise a different crown width, the intermediate row staples 5315C, 5315D each comprise a different crown width, and the outer row staples 5317E, 5317F each comprise a different crown width. In various embodiments, the crown widths of each staple 5313A, 5313B, 5315C, 5315D, 5317E, and 5317F are all different. Embodiments are envisioned where crown widths of certain staples in one row are equal to crown widths of certain staples in another row. The inner row staples define a stretch zone labeled SZ. The stretch zone SZ can comprise a gap defined between the staples 5313A, for example. The stretch zone SZ permits the stapled tissue to flex.

The circular surgical staplers, circular staple cartridges, and/or circular stapling configurations may be employed in a colectomy procedure, for example. FIG. 101 illustrates an example of a part of a colectomy procedure where two portions of intestine are joined providing a new pathway, or passage, 5400 for the digestive system. One portion of intestine Ti comprises an inner wall 5410 and a second portion of intestine T2 comprises an inner wall 5420. The intestine portions Ti and T2 are stapled with inner staples 5401, intermediate staples 5403, and outer staples 5405. The intestine portions Ti and T2 are incised creating a new passage P-P for digestive material to pass. The incision creates cut portions 5411 and 5421 of the intestine portions Ti and T2. The change in diameter between the inner walls 5410, 5420 of the intestine portions Ti and T2 and the cut portions 5411, 5421 can, in some cases, constrict, or narrow, the passage P-P making it difficult for digestive material to pass. It can be desirable to have flexibility of the staple portion starting with the inner staples 5401. One method for providing flexibility utilizes staple gaps defined between staples in the various rows in which the staples are arranged. Another method for providing flexibility utilizes larger sized staples with larger staple crowns. In various instances, gaps between the staples and staple rows permit flexibility of the stapled portion allowing digestive material to pass more easily. In various instances, different size staples permit tissue flexibility.

FIGS. 102-104 depict a curved stapling instrument 5500 in accordance with at least one embodiment configured to capture, incise, and staple tissue. The curved stapling instrument 5500 comprises a frame assembly 5510, a staple cartridge 5520, and an anvil 5530. Upon receiving a first actuation force, the staple cartridge 5520 is driven toward the anvil 5530 to capture tissue therebetween. The curved stapling instrument 5500 further comprises a knife assembly 5540 comprising a cutting member 5541 configured to incise the tissue captured between the staple cartridge 5520 and the anvil 5530. The staple cartridge 5520 comprises a deck 5527 comprising a cutting slot 5521 configured to receive the cutting member 5541, a plurality of staple cavities 5523A and 5523B, and a plurality of staples 5560 removably stored within the staple cavities 5523A, 5523B. The curved stapling instrument 5500 further comprises a driver assembly 5550 comprising a plurality of staple drivers 5551 configured to drive the staples 5560 toward the anvil 5530 upon the application of a second actuation force. The second actuation force is responsible for lifting the driver assembly 5550 and the knife assembly 5540 vertically relative to the curved stapling instrument 5500 in order to incise and staple the tissue.

The staple cartridge 5520 further comprises a plurality of deck features 5525 extending from the deck 5527. Embodiments are envisioned where the deck features 5525 are separate portions configured to be attached to the deck 5527. The deck features 5525 can be extensions of the staple cavities 5523A, 5523B in order to support, guide, and/or control the staples 5560 while loading the staples 5560 into the cartridge 5520, while housing, or supporting, the staples 5560 before ejecting the staples 5560, and/or while ejecting the staples 5560 from the cartridge 5520. A single deck feature 5525 supports two different staple legs of neighboring staples. The deck features 5525 can comprise multiple support walls configured to support one or more sides, faces, and/or edges of each staple leg. Embodiments are envisioned where the deck features 5525 on the outer staple rows, rows furthest from the slot, only correlate with every other staple cavity in each outer row. Staple features may increase in density the closer to the incision the staple features are positioned.

FIGS. 105 and 106 depict a curved stapling instrument 5600 in accordance with at least one embodiment configured to capture, incise, and staple tissue. The curved stapling instrument 5600 comprises a frame assembly 5610, a staple cartridge 5620, and an anvil 5630. Upon receiving a first actuation force, the staple cartridge 5620 is driven toward the anvil 5630 to capture tissue therebetween. The curved stapling instrument 5600 further comprises a knife assembly comprising a cutting member configured to incise the tissue captured between the staple cartridge 5620 and the anvil 5630. The staple cartridge 5620 comprises a deck 5627 comprising a cutting slot 5621 configured to receive the cutting member, a plurality of staple cavities 5623, and a plurality of staples 5660 removably stored within the staple cavities 5623. The curved stapling instrument 5600 further comprises a driver assembly 5650 comprising a plurality of staple drivers 5651 configured to drive the staples 5660 toward the anvil 5630 upon the application of a second actuation force. The second actuation force is responsible for lifting the driver assembly 5650 and the knife assembly vertically relative to the curved stapling instrument 5600 in order to incise and staple the tissue.

The staple cartridge 5620 further comprises a plurality of deck features 5625 extending from the deck 5627. Embodiments are envisioned where the deck features 5625 are separate portions configured to be attached to the deck 5627. The deck features 5625 can be extensions of the staple cavities 5623 in order to support, guide, and/or control the staples 5660 while loading the staples 5660 into the cartridge 5620, while housing, or supporting, the staples 5660 before ejecting the staples 5660, and/or while ejecting the staples 5660 from the cartridge 5620. The deck features 5625 can comprise multiple support walls configured to support one or more sides, faces, and/or edges of each staple leg. The deck features 5625 extend from at least one of the staple leg walls and at least one of the staple base walls of the staple cavities.

The staple drivers 5651 comprise a flat profile which is at least substantially the same as the bottom profile of the staples 5660. Having similar, or the same, profiles permits an adequate force distribution by the staple drivers 5651 over the staple base portions of the staples 5660. When being formed against the anvil 5630, the similar profiles between the drivers 5651 and the staples 5660 prevents the staples 5660 becoming misaligned.

FIGS. 107-110 illustrate a cutting beam assembly 6610 that may be employed with various end effectors 6012 of the type, for example, disclosed herein. As can be seen in FIGS. 107 and 108, the cutting beam assembly 6610 may include a firing bar 6620 that has a proximal portion 6622 that is attached to a distal cutting beam head 6630 that translates within a staple cartridge 6670. See FIGS. 109 and 110. The distal cutting beam head 6630 may also be referred to as a “firing member”. The staple cartridge 6670 may comprise a staple cartridge and be configured to be operably supported in the elongated channel 6014 of the end effector 6012. As discussed therein, the staple cartridge 6670 includes a series of staple drivers 6642 that operably support the surgical staples 6674 thereon. The drivers 6672 are driven upwardly toward the anvil 6020 as a wedge sled 6676 is advanced distally through the staple cartridge 6670.

Referring to FIGS. 107 and 108, the distal cutting beam head 6630 includes a body portion 6632 that is attached to the proximal portion 6622 of the firing bar 6620. The firing bar 6622 may be actuated by any of the firing arrangements disclosed herein. As can be seen in those Figures, the body portion includes an upper portion 6640 and a lower portion 6650. The upper portion 6640 includes a flexible extension arm 6642 that protrudes from the lower portion 6650. Essentially, the extension arm 6642 comprises a cantilever-type beam arrangement that includes a distally protruding nose 6644 that includes upper pins or tabs 6645 that protrude laterally therefrom. The upper portion 6640 further includes a lower tab portion 6646 that includes a distally-protruding lower nose portion 6647 and a proximally-protruding hook, bumper, or catch formation 6648 that is designed to engage a complementary body hook 6654 formed on the lower portion 6650 as shown in FIG. 108. As can be most particularly seen in FIGS. 107 and 108, a cutting surface 6649 is provided on the movable upper portion 6640 and is oriented such that it located proximal to the end of the upper nose 6644 and the end of the lower nose portion 6647 such that a tissue-capturing pocket 6659 is established between the upper nose 6644 and the lower nose 6647. Such pocket 6659 enables tissue to be captured therein just distal of cutting surface 6649. As can be appreciated from reference to FIGS. 107 and 108, the cutting surface 6649 as well as the upper nose portion 6644 and upper tabs 6645 move as a unit (e.g., they move together) relative to the lower portion 6650 of the cutting beam head 6630. As will be discussed in further detail below, such arrangement enables the cutting beam head 6630 to assume a compressed state that facilitates passage of the cutting beam head 6630 through, for example, an access opening or a trocar port that has a somewhat limited cross-sectional area, while still being able to accommodate various thicknesses of tissue when the end effector has exited though the opening and has been clamped onto the tissue in preparation for firing.

The lower portion 6650 of the cutting beam head 6630 further includes lower foot tabs 6652 that protrude laterally from the lower portion 6650. As can be seen in FIGS. 109 and 110, the elongated channel 6014 includes an elongated slot 6016 that corresponds with an elongated slot 6678 in the staple cartridge 6670 for accommodating the body portion 6632 of the cutting beam head 6630. The elongated channel further has a channel track 6018 that is configured to receive the lower foot tabs 6652. Likewise, the anvil assembly 6020 includes an elongated slot 6022 that accommodates the body portion 6632 and an upper anvil track 6024 that accommodates the upper tabs 6645 therein.

FIG. 107 illustrates the cutting beam head 6630 in its compressed state. The overall maximum height of the cutting beam head in this compressed state is represented by “H1”. FIG. 108 illustrates the cutting beam head 6630 in its uncompressed maximum height state. The overall maximum height of the cutting beam head in this uncompressed state is represented by “H2”. It will be understood that the overall height of the E-beam 6630 can vary between H1 and H2 depending upon the cutting beam head's compressed state. Referring now to FIG. 109, the end effector 6012 is illustrated in its most cross-sectionally compact state which may be referred to herein as its insertion state or position. The overall height (or diameter) of the end effector 6012 is represented in FIG. 109 by “E1”. This would be the state, for example, in which the end effector 6012 might be inserted through an access opening or a trocar port. Once the end effector 6012 has been inserted through the opening or trocar port to the surgical site, the clinician may open and close the anvil assembly 6020 as needed to grasp and manipulate the target tissue T. Once the target tissue T has been captured between the anvil assembly 6020 and the staple cartridge 6670, the clinician may lock the anvil assembly 6020 in the closed position in the various manners disclosed herein or otherwise known. The unique and novel cutting beam head 6630 enables the overall height of the end effector 6012 to increase to accommodate various thicknesses of tissue and or different surgical staple cartridges that have different lengths/sizes of staples/fasteners. FIG. 110 illustrates the target tissue T after it has been “fully clamped” in the end effector 6012 and the end effector 6012 has been fired to cut and sever the tissue T. The overall height of the end effector 6012 is represented by “E2”. Such cutting beam head arrangement is capable of assuming a compressed insertion height for insertion into the surgical site and then automatically reconfiguring to a firing height. Such reconfiguration is accomplished by the extension arm 6642 which acts as a spring and which is normally biased into its uncompressed state as illustrated in FIG. 108. Thus, the cutting beam head 6630 has a range of operating heights extending between H1 and H2. This range may be represented by “H3” and may be equal to the distance between the lower edge of the extension arm 6642 and the upper-most edge of the body hook portion 6636. See FIG. 108.

FIGS. 111-118 depict another surgical instrument 7010 that is capable of practicing several unique benefits of the present invention. The surgical instrument 7010 depicted in the FIG. 111 comprises a housing 7020 that consists of a handle 7022 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by a clinician. The handle 7022 may comprise a pair of interconnectable housing segments 7024, 7026 that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc.

As can be seen in FIG. 112, the surgical end effector 7100 may comprise an elongated channel 7102 that is configured to receive a surgical fastener cartridge 7110 therein. The surgical fastener cartridge 7110 may include a cartridge body 7112 that has a centrally disposed elongated slot 7114 therein. The cartridge body 7112 may further include rows of fastener pockets 7116 that are located on each side of the elongated slot 7114 and which are configured to support corresponding surgical fasteners 7120 therein. The elongated channel 7102 may further operably support a “firing member” in the form of a tissue-cutting member or knife assembly 7150. The knife assembly 7150 is configured to axially travel in the slot 7114 in the cartridge body 7112 when the cartridge body 7112 has been installed in the elongated channel 7102. The knife assembly 7150 may be configured with a tissue cutting edge 7152 that is centrally disposed between a lower foot 7154 and an upper foot or tab 7156. In a preferred arrangement, the knife assembly 7150 has the same construction and features as cutting head assembly 6610 described in detail above. As will be discussed in further detail below, the knife assembly 7150 is configured to be axially driven within the elongated channel 7102 and the surgical fastener cartridge 7110 in response to motions applied thereto by a firing drive system 7300.

As can also be seen in FIG. 112, the surgical end effector 7100 may further include an anvil assembly 7130 that is supported for movement relative to the elongated channel 7102. The anvil assembly 7130 may be movable relative to the surgical fastener cartridge 7110, for example, in response to “actuation motions” which may comprise, for example, closing and opening motions that are transferred thereto from a closure drive system 7200. In one arrangement, for example, the anvil assembly 7130 includes an anvil body portion 7132 that has a fastener forming surface 7134 formed on the underside thereof. The fastener forming surface 7134 may comprise a series of forming pockets (not shown) that correspond to the surgical fasteners 7120 supported in the surgical fastener cartridge 7110. As the legs of the surgical fasteners 7120 are driven into forming contact with the corresponding forming pockets in the anvil assembly 7130, they are formed into a desired tissue-retaining configuration. The anvil assembly 7130 may further includes an anvil mounting portion 7136 that has a pair of trunnions 7138 protruding therefrom that are received within corresponding trunnion slots 7610 formed in a U-shaped control insert 7602 that is movably supported in a proximal mounting portion 7104 of the elongated channel 7102. In various arrangements, the surgical fasteners 7120 are driven out of their respective fastener pockets 7116 in the surgical fastener cartridge 7110 by corresponding sled assemblies 7160 and 7170 that are movably supported within the elongated channel 7102 and are movable in response to firing motions applied thereto by the firing drive system 7300.

As indicated above, the anvil assembly 7130 is also responsive to actuation motions in the form of opening and closing motions that are applied thereto by a closure drive system 7200. As discussed in that reference and as shown in FIG. 113 herein, the closure drive system 7200 includes a closure trigger 7202 that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 7220 that is pivotally coupled to a frame 7030. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 7220 may comprise a release button assembly 7222 that may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 7202 from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion 7028 of the handle 7022, the closure release assembly 7220 serves to lock the closure trigger 7202 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 7202 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the closure release button assembly 7220 to cause it to disengage the closure trigger arrangement and thereby permit the closure trigger 7202 to pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

Referring to FIGS. 113-114, the closure drive system 7200 may further comprise a proximal closure tube segment 7210 that has a proximal end 7212 that is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a closure tube attachment yoke 7230. The proximal end 7212 of the proximal closure tube segment 7210 is configured to be received within a cradle 7232 (FIG. 113) in the closure tube attachment yoke 7230 to permit relative rotation relative thereto. The proximal closure tube segment 7210 may be rotatably attached to the closure tube attachment yoke 7230 by a U-shaped connector (not shown) that is configured to be received in an annular slot 7214 in the proximal end 7212 of the proximal closure tube segment 7210 and be seated in a slot 7234 (FIG. 113) in the closure tube attachment yoke 7230. Such arrangement serves to rotatably couple the proximal closure tube segment 7210 to the closure tube attachment yoke 7230 such that the proximal closure tube segment 7210 may rotate relative thereto. More specifically, such arrangement facilitates manual rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 7050 relative to the handle 7022 about a longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT” defined by the elongated shaft assembly 7050 to enable the clinician to rotate the surgical end effector 7100 in the manner represented by arrow “R” in FIG. 111.

In various arrangements, the closure tube attachment yoke 7230 is movably mounted on a proximal articulation tube 7402 of an articulation system 7400 which will be discussed in further detail below. Such arrangement permits the closure tube attachment yoke 7230 to move axially on the proximal articulation tube 7402 in response to actuation of the closure trigger 7202. In particular, the closure tube attachment yoke 7230 may be pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 7202 by a closure linkage bar 7240. See FIG. 113. Thus, when the clinician pivots the closure trigger 7202 inward toward the pistol grip portion 7028 of the handle 7022, the closure tube attachment yoke 70230 will be advanced in the distal direction “DD”. When the firing trigger 7202 is returned to the unactuated position, the closure tube attachment yoke 7230 will be advanced proximally (direction “PD”) on the proximal articulation tube 7402 to a starting position.

The closure drive system 7200 may further include an intermediate tube segment 7250 that is configured for attachment to the distal end 7218 of the proximal closure tube segment 7210. As can be seen in FIG. 114, the intermediate tube segment 7250 may include a flexible articulation portion 7260 and an attachment stem portion 7252. The attachment stem portion 7252 may be sized to extend into the open distal end 7218 of the proximal closure tube segment 7210 in frictional engagement therewith. The flexible articulation portion 7260 may be integrally formed with the attachment stem portion 7252 and include an articulation spine 7262 that includes proximal end portions 7264 (only one can be seen in FIG. 114) that are configured to be received in corresponding notches 7219 in the distal end 7218 of the proximal closure tube segment 7210 to prevent relative rotation between the proximal closure tube segment 7210 and the intermediate tube segment 7250. The intermediate tube segment 7250 may be non-rotatably (i.e., attached to prevent relative rotation between these components) attached to the proximal closure tube segment 7210 by, for example, screws, detents, adhesive, etc.

The closure drive system 7200 may further include a distal closure tube segment 7280 that is configured to axially engage and apply opening and closing motions to the anvil assembly 7130. The distal closure tube segment 7280 may be attached to the distal end of intermediate tube segment 7250 for axial travel therewith. The articulation spine 7262 may further include distal end portions 7266 that are configured to be received in corresponding notches 7284 in the proximal end 7282 of the distal closure tube segment 7280 to prevent relative rotation between the distal closure tube segment 7280 and the intermediate tube segment 7250. See FIG. 114. The proximal end 7282 of the distal closure tube segment 7280 may inwardly extending attachment tabs 7286 that are adapted to be bent into corresponding notches 7266 in the intermediate tube segment 7250. See FIG. 114. Such arrangement serves to facilitate attachment of the distal closure tube segment 7280 to the intermediate tube segment 7250 for axial travel therewith.

The distal closure tube segment 7280 is configured to apply opening and closing motions to the anvil assembly 7130. The anvil mounting portion 7136 may be formed with an anvil tab 7142. The distal end 7288 of the distal closure tube segment 7280 has an inwardly extending actuation tab 7290 formed therein that is configured to interact with the anvil tab 7142. For example, when the distal closure tube segment 7280 is in the open position, the actuation tab 7290 is in biasing contact with the anvil tab 7142 which serves to pivot the anvil assembly 7130 to the open position.

Operation of the closure drive system 7200 will now be described. The anvil assembly 7130 may be moved relative to the surgical fastener cartridge 7110 by pivoting the closure trigger 7202 toward and away from the pistol grip portion 7028 of the handle 7022. Thus, actuating the closure trigger 7202 causes the proximal closure tube segment 7210, the intermediate tube segment 7250 and the distal closure tube segment 7280 to move axially in the distal direction “DD” to contact the end wall 7144 of the anvil body portion 7132 to pivot or otherwise move the anvil assembly 7130 toward the surgical fastener cartridge 7110. The clinician may grasp and manipulate tissue between the anvil assembly 7130 and the fastener cartridge 7110 by opening and closing the anvil assembly 7130. Once the target tissue is captured between the anvil assembly 7130 and fastener cartridge 7110, the clinician may pivot the closure trigger 7202 to the fully actuated position wherein it is locked in place for firing.

Referring again to FIG. 113, the frame 7030 may also be configured to operably support the firing drive system 7300 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the elongated shaft assembly 7050 and ultimately to the knife assembly? 150 and the sled assemblies 7160, 7170. As can be seen in FIG. 113, the firing drive system 7300 may employ an electric motor 7302 that is supported in the pistol grip portion 7028 of the handle 7022. In various forms, the motor 7302 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor 7302 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery 7304 (or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, for example, may be coupled to the handle 7022 to supply power to a control circuit board assembly 7306 and ultimately to the motor 7302.

The electric motor 7302 can include a rotatable shaft 7308 that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 7310 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 7322 on a longitudinally-movable drive member 7320. The gear reducer assembly 7310 can include, among other things, a housing and an output pinion gear 7314. In certain embodiments, the output pinion gear 7314 can be directly operably engaged with the longitudinally-movable drive member 7320 or, alternatively, operably engaged with the drive member 7320 via one or more intermediate gears. In use, the electric motor 7302 can move the drive member distally, indicated by an arrow “DD”, and/or proximally, indicated by an arrow “PD”, depending on the direction in which the electric motor 7302 rotates. For example, a voltage polarity provided by the battery can operate the electric motor 7302 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 7302 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 7302 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 7320 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor 7302 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 320 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle 7022 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 7302 by the battery. The handle 7022 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the movable drive member 7320 and/or the direction in which the movable drive member 7320 is being moved.

Actuation of the motor 7302 can be controlled by a firing trigger 7330 that is pivotally supported on the handle 7022. The firing trigger 7330 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 7330 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 7330, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 7330 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 7202. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 7332 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 7202. The safety button 7332 may be positioned between the firing trigger 7330 and the closure trigger 7202 and have a pivot arm (not shown) protruding therefrom. When the closure trigger 7202 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 7332 is contained in the handle housing where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 7330 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 7330 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 7202, the safety button 7332 and the firing trigger 7330 pivot down to a position wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 7320 has a rack of teeth 7322 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of the gear reducer assembly 7310. At least one form may also include a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 7320 should the motor become disabled.

Referring to FIG. 114, various forms of the elongated shaft assembly 7050 may include a firing member assembly 7060 that is supported for axial travel within an articulation shaft assembly 7400 that essentially functions as shaft frame or spine. The firing member assembly 7060 may further include a proximal firing shaft 7062 that has a proximal end portion 7064 that is configured to be rotatably received in a distal cradle 7326 provided in a distal end 7324 of the movable drive member 7320. Such arrangement permits the proximal firing shaft 7062 to rotate relative to the movable drive member 7320 while also axially moving therewith. The proximal firing shaft 7062 may further have a slot 7068 formed in its distal end for receiving a proximal end 7072 of a flexible distal firing shaft assembly 7070 therein. See FIG. 114. As can be seen in that Figure, the proximal end 7072 of the distal firing shaft assembly 7070 may be received within the slot 7068 in the distal firing shaft 7062 and may be pinned thereto with a pin 7073.

The distal firing shaft assembly 7070 may include a central firing beam 7074 that is located between a right sled pusher beam 7076 and a left sled pusher beam 7078. The central firing beam 7074 and the pusher beams 7076, 7078 may, for example, each be fabricated from metal that facilitates axial actuation of the sled assemblies 7160, 7170 in the surgical end effector 7100 while also facilitating flexing thereof when the end effector 7100 is articulated. In at least one arrangement, the central pusher beam 7074, the right sled pusher beam 7076 and the left sled pusher beam 7078 may extend through a slot 7146 in the anvil mounting portion 7136. The right sled pusher beam 7076 corresponds to the right sled assembly 7160 and the left sled pusher beam 7078 corresponds to the left sled assembly 7170 movably supported within the elongated channel 7102. Axial movement of the right sled pusher beam 7076 and the left sled pusher beam 7078 will result in the axial advancement of the right and left sled assemblies 7160, 7170, respectively, within the elongate channel 7102. As the right sled assembly 7160 is axially advanced within the elongated channel 7102, it drives the surgical fasteners 7120 supported in the cartridge body 7112 on the right side of the slot 7114 out of their respective pockets 7116 and as the left sled assembly 7170 is axially advanced within the elongated channel 7102, it drives the surgical fasteners 7120 supported within the cartridge body 7112 on the left side of the slot 7114 out of their respective pockets 7116.

The central firing beam 7074 has a distal end 7080 that may be configured to be received within a slot provided in the body portion 7155 of the knife assembly 7154 and retained therein by, for example, a frictional fit, adhesive, welding, etc. In at least one form, the elongated channel 7102 is formed with a right upstanding wall 7107 and a left upstanding wall 7108 that define a centrally-disposed channel slot 7109. Once the knife assembly 7150 is inserted into the bottom window in the elongated channel 7102, the body portion 7151 of the knife assembly 7150 may be inserted into the channel slot 7109 and advanced proximally in the elongated channel 7102 to be coupled with the distal end 7080 of the central firing beam 7074. A lower channel cover 7111 may be attached to the bottom of the elongated channel 7102 to prevent tissue, body fluids, etc. from entering into the elongated channel 7102 which might hamper the movement of the knife assembly 7150 therein.

The surgical instrument 7010 may also include an articulation system 7400. In one implementation, for example, the articulation system 7400 includes an articulation shaft assembly 7430 that may be operably controlled by an articulation control system 7460. In one form, for example, the articulation shaft assembly 7430 may include a right articulation shaft segment 7440 and a left articulation shaft segment 7450. The right articulation shaft segment 7440 includes a proximal end 7442 that has a right passage segment 7444 formed therein. Likewise the left articulation shaft segment 7450 includes a proximal end portion 7452 that has a left passage segment 7454 formed therein. When the right articulation shaft segment 7440 and the left articulation shaft segment 7450 are installed within the proximal closure tube segment 7210, they form the articulation shaft assembly 7430. The right passage segment 7444 and the left passage segment 7454 cooperate to receive a portion of the proximal firing shaft 762 therein. The right articulation shaft segment 7440 and the left articulation shaft segment 7450 may be, for example, composed of a plastic, especially a glass fiber-reinforced amorphous polyamide, sold commercially under the trade name Grivory GV-6H by EMS-American Grilon.

Still referring to FIG. 114, the articulation shaft assembly 7430 may further include a right articulation band 7490 and a left articulation band 7500. In one form, a proximal end portion 7492 of the right articulation band 7490 may be attached to a distal portion 7448 of the right articulation shaft segment such that a distal portion 7494 of the right articulation band 7490 protrudes out of a right passage 7449 therein. The proximal end portion 7492 of the right articulation band 7490 may include holes or cavities 7493 that are configured to receive corresponding lugs (not shown) in the right articulation shaft segment 7440 to facilitate attachment of the right articulation band 7490 to the right articulation shaft segment 7440. Likewise, a proximal end portion 7502 of the left articulation band 7500 may have holes or cavities 7503 therein that are configured to receive lugs (not shown) in the distal portion 7458 of the left articulation shaft segment 7450 to facilitate attachment of the left articulation band 7500 to the articulation shaft segment 7450. The articulation bands 7490 and 5700 may be composed of a metal, advantageously full hard 301 stainless steel or its equivalent. The distal end of the left articulation band 7500 may have a left hook portion 7506 that is adapted to be coupled to a left attachment portion 7507 of the elongated channel 7102. Likewise, the distal end of the right articulation band 7494 has a right hook portion 7496 for attachment to a right attachment portion 7497. As discussed in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, when the clinician wishes to articulate the end effector 7100 to the right relative to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT, the clinician simply rotates the articulation control knob 7570 in the appropriate direction.

The surgical instrument 7010 may be used in a minimally invasive procedure wherein it is inserted through a trocar port that has been installed in a patient. In such applications, it is generally advantageous to minimize the overall cross-sectional shape of the end effector during insertion into the patient in order to minimize the size of the trocar port that must be employed. The smallest cross-sectional configuration that the end effector 7100 may adopt is achieved when the upper jaw or anvil assembly 7130 is in its a “first insertion position” relative to the lower jaw or more specifically relative to the surgical staple cartridge 7110 installed in the elongated channel 7102. Thus, to facilitate insertion of the end effector 7100 through the trocar port, the cross-sectional area or footprint is sized relative to the cross-sectional size of the port opening in the trocar port to permit the end effector 7110 to slidably pass therethrough.

In at least one implementation, the end effector 7100 employs an active anvil control system 7600 that is configured to enable the anvil assembly 7130 to move to the first insertion position to enable the end effector 7100 to be inserted through the trocar port and then once the end effector 7100 has passed through the trocar port, enables the anvil assembly 7130 to assume an operating configuration for stapling tissue. Referring to FIGS. 112 and 115-118, one form of anvil control system 7600 includes a U-shaped control insert 7602 that is movably supported on the elongated channel 7102 and is attached to a control bar 7604. The control bar 7604 extends through the elongated shaft assembly 7050 and is movably supported for axial travel therein. The control bar 7604 may be attached to a movable actuator slide 7606 or other form of actuator arrangement supported on the handle assembly. See FIG. 111. Movement of the actuator slide 7606 in the distal direction “DD” will cause the control bar 7604 to move in the distal direction “DD”. Similarly, movement of the actuator slide 7606 in the proximal direction “PD” will cause the control bar 7604 to move in the proximal direction “PD”.

As can be seen in FIG. 112, the U-shaped control insert 7602 is formed with two upstanding walls 7608 that each have a somewhat L-shaped trunnion slot 7610 therein. More specifically, each trunnion slot 7610 has a vertical slot portion 7612 and a horizontal slot portion 7614. The trunnion slots 7610 are sized to movably receive a corresponding anvil trunnion 7138 therein. FIG. 115 illustrates the anvil assembly 7130 in its first insertion position. As can be seen in that Figure, for example, the anvil assembly 7130 is being inserted through a distal end portion of a trocar port 7630. To enable the anvil assembly 7130 to assume that first insertion position, the clinician moves the control bar 7604 in the distal direction “DD” to cause the movable anvil trunnions 7130 to be retained within the horizontal slot portions 7614 as shown. When in that position, the anvil mounting portion 7136 is in is lowest position within the elongated channel 7102.

The elongated channel 7102 is equipped with an elastic “biasing means” 7620 that serves to bias the anvil body portion 7132 away from the elongated channel 7102. In various embodiments, the elastic biasing means 7620 may comprise any form of resilient member(s) and/or spring(s) that are attached directly to the elongated channel 7102. For example, in the depicted arrangement, the biasing means comprises strips of compressible or elastic foam material 7622 attached along the sides of the elongated channel 7102. When the anvil assembly 7130 is inside the trocar port 7630, the foam strips 7622 will be compressed as shown in FIG. 115. After the end effector 7100 has passed through the trocar port 7630, the clinician may move the control bar 7604 in the proximal direction “PD” such that the control insert 7602 is also moved proximally to the position illustrated in FIG. 116. When in that position, the foam strips 7622 bias the anvil assembly 7130 upward (represented by arrow “U” in FIG. 116) to a “primary opened position” thereby causing the anvil trunnions 7138 to move to the upper end of the vertical trunnion slots 7612 as shown. When the anvil assembly 7130 is in that “primary opened position”, the clinician may then actuate the closure trigger to move the distal closure tube 7280 in the proximal direction “PD” to cause the anvil assembly 7130 to move to a “fully open position” as illustrated in FIG. 117. Once the clinician has positioned the target tissue between the anvil assembly 7130 and the staple cartridge 7110, the anvil assembly 7130 can be closed using the closure trigger 7202 to move the anvil assembly 7130 to the closed or fully clamped position illustrated in FIG. 118.

FIG. 119 illustrates an exemplary surgical instrument 7810 which can include a housing 7820, an elongated shaft assembly 7850 that operably protrudes from the housing 7820 and which is operably coupled to a surgical end effector 7900. The surgical instrument 7810 depicted in the FIG. 119 comprises a housing 7820 that consists of a handle 7822 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by a clinician. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, however, it will be understood that the various unique and novel arrangements of the various forms of shaft arrangements and end effector arrangements disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate various forms of surgical end effectors attached thereto. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. Furthermore, as will be discussed in further detail below, the surgical instrument 7810 depicted in at least some of the accompanying drawings employs a motor for generating control motions for actuating various components and features of the surgical end effector. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain features and advantages of the present invention may also be effectively attained in connection with surgical instruments that are equipped with manually generated (i.e., non-motor generated) actuation and control motions.

As illustrated in FIGS. 119 and 121, the handle 7822 may comprise a pair of interconnectable housing segments 7824, 7826 that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. As used herein, the term “snap feature” includes, but is not limited to, for example, a tab that has a protrusion thereon that is configured to retainingly engage a corresponding mating portion of another component. Such features may be designed to releasably engage the mating portion or it may not be designed or intended to be removed. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments 7824, 7826 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 7828 that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 7822 operably supports a plurality of drive systems or control systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding component portions of the elongated shaft assembly 7850 that is operably attached to the surgical end effector 7900. In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 7900 is configured to cut and fasten tissue, for example.

FIG. 120 illustrates one form of surgical end effector 7900 that may be employed. As can be seen in that Figure, the surgical end effector 7900 may comprise an elongated channel 7902 that is configured to receive a surgical fastener cartridge 7910 therein. The surgical fastener cartridge 7910 may include a cartridge body 7912 that has a centrally disposed elongated slot 7914 therein. The cartridge body 7912 may further include rows of fastener pockets 7916 that are located on each side of the elongated slot 7914 and which are configured to support corresponding surgical fasteners 7920 therein. The elongated channel 7902 may further operably support a tissue-cutting member or knife assembly 7950 therein that is configured to axially travel in the slot 7914 in the cartridge body 7912 when installed in the elongate channel 7902. The knife assembly 7950 may be configured with a tissue cutting edge 7952 that is centrally disposed between a lower foot 7954 and an upper foot or tab 7956. As will be discussed in further detail below, the knife assembly 7950 is configured to be axially driven within the elongated channel 7902 and the surgical fastener cartridge 7910 in response to motions applied thereto by a firing drive system 8100.

As can also be seen in FIG. 120, the surgical end effector 7900 may further include an anvil assembly 7930 that is movably supported on the elongate channel 7902. The anvil assembly 7930 may be movable relative to the surgical fastener cartridge 7910, for example, in response to closing and opening motions transferred thereto from a closure drive system 8000. In other arrangements, however, the anvil assembly may be fixed and the surgical fastener cartridge may be configured to move relative to the anvil assembly upon application of closure motions thereto. In one arrangement, for example, the anvil assembly 7930 includes an anvil body portion 7932 that has a fastener forming surface 7934 formed on the underside thereof. The fastener forming surface 7934 may comprise a series of forming pockets (not shown) that correspond to the surgical fasteners 7920 supported in the surgical fastener cartridge 7910. As the legs of the surgical fasteners 7920 are driven into forming contact with the corresponding forming pockets in the anvil assembly 7930, they are formed into a desired tissue-retaining configuration. The anvil assembly 7930 may further include an anvil mounting portion 7936 that has a pair of trunnions 7938 protruding therefrom that are received within corresponding arcuate slots 7906 formed in a proximal mounting portion 7904 of the elongated channel 7902. In various arrangements, the surgical fasteners 7920 are driven out of their respective fastener pockets 7916 in the surgical fastener cartridge 7910 by corresponding sled assemblies 7960 and 7970 that are movably supported within the elongated channel 7902 and are movable in response to firing motions applied thereto by the firing drive system 8100.

Referring now to FIG. 121, the handle 7822 may further include a frame 7830 that operably supports various components of the closure drive system 8000 and the firing drive system 8100. In at least one form, the closure drive system 8000 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 8002 that is pivotally supported by the frame 7830. The closure trigger 8002 may be pivotally supported by frame 7830 such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 7828 of the handle 7822, the closure trigger 8002 may be easily pivoted from a starting or unactuated position to an actuated position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 8002 may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). As discussed in that reference and as shown in FIG. 121 herein, the closure trigger 8002 may be configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 8020 that is pivotally coupled to the frame 7830. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 8020 may comprise a release button assembly 8022 that may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 8002 from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion 7828 of the handle 7822, the closure release assembly 8020 serves to lock the closure trigger 8002 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 8002 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the closure release button assembly 8020 to cause it to disengage the closure trigger arrangement and thereby permit the closure trigger 8002 to pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

Referring to FIGS. 121 and 122, the closure drive system 8000 may further comprise a proximal closure tube segment 8010 that has a proximal end 8012 that is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a closure tube attachment yoke 8030. The proximal end 8012 of the proximal closure tube segment 8010 is configured to be received within a cradle 8032 (FIG. 121) in the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 to permit relative rotation relative thereto. The proximal closure tube segment 8010 may be rotatably attached to the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 by a U-shaped connector 8036 that is configured to be received in an annular slot 8014 in the proximal end 8012 of the proximal closure tube segment 8010 and be seated in a slot 8034 (FIG. 121) in the closure tube attachment yoke 8030. Such arrangement serves to rotatably couple the proximal closure tube segment 8010 to the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 such that the proximal closure tube segment 8010 may rotate relative thereto. More specifically, such arrangement facilitates manual rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 7850 relative to the handle 7822 about a longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT” defined by the elongated shaft assembly 7850 to enable the clinician to rotate the surgical end effector 7900 in the manner represented by arrow “R” in FIG. 119.

In various arrangements, the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 is movably mounted on a proximal articulation tube 8202 of an articulation system 8200 which will be discussed in further detail below. Such arrangement permits the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 to move axially on the proximal articulation tube 8202 in response to actuation of the closure trigger 8002. In particular, the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 may be pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 8002 by a closure linkage bar 8040. See FIG. 121. Thus, when the clinician pivots the closure trigger 8002 inward toward the pistol grip portion 7828 of the handle 7822, the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 will be advanced in the distal direction “DD”. When the firing trigger 8002 is returned to the unactuated position, the closure tube attachment yoke 8030 will be advanced proximally (direction “PD”) on the proximal articulation tube 8202 to a starting position.

The closure drive system 8000 may further include an intermediate flexible tube segment 8050 that is configured for attachment to the distal end 8018 of the proximal closure tube segment 8010. As can be seen in FIG. 123, the intermediate tube segment 8050 may include a flexible articulation portion 8060 and an attachment stem portion 8052. The attachment stem portion 8052 may be sized to extend into the open distal end 8018 of the proximal closure tube segment 8010 in frictional engagement therewith. The flexible articulation portion 8060 may be integrally formed with the attachment stem portion 8052 and include an articulation spine 8062 that includes proximal end portions that are configured to be received in corresponding notches 8019 in the distal end 8018 of the proximal closure tube segment 8010 to prevent relative rotation between the proximal closure tube segment 8010 and the intermediate tube segment 8050. The intermediate tube segment 8050 may be non-rotatably (i.e., attached to prevent relative rotation between these components) attached to the proximal closure tube segment 8010 by, for example, screws, detents, adhesive, etc.

The closure drive system 8000 may further include a distal closure tube segment 8080 that is configured to axially engage and apply opening and closing motions to the anvil assembly 7930. The distal closure tube segment 8080 may be attached to the distal end of intermediate tube segment 8050 for axial travel therewith. The articulation spine 8062 may further include distal end portions 8066 that are configured to be received in corresponding notches 8084 in the proximal end 8082 of the distal closure tube segment 8080 to prevent relative rotation between the distal closure tube segment 8080 and the intermediate tube segment 8050. See FIG. 123. The proximal end 8082 of the distal closure tube segment 8080 may inwardly extending attachment tabs 8086 that are adapted to be bent into corresponding notches 8067 in the intermediate tube segment 8050. See FIG. 123. Such arrangement serves to facilitate attachment of the distal closure tube segment 8080 to the intermediate tube segment 8050 for axial travel therewith.

The distal closure tube segment 8080 is configured to apply opening and closing motions to the anvil assembly 7930. As can be seen in FIG. 125, one form of the anvil mounting portion 7936 may be formed with a groove 7940 that defines an anvil tab 7942. As can be seen in FIGS. 124 and 126, the distal end 8088 of the distal closure tube segment 8080 has an inwardly extending actuation tab 8090 formed therein that is configured to interact with the anvil tab 7942. For example, when the distal closure tube segment 8080 is in the open position (FIGS. 124 and 126), the actuation tab 8090 is in biasing contact with the anvil tab 7942 which serves to pivot the anvil assembly 7930 to the open position. As shown in FIG. 127, when the anvil assembly 7930 is in an open position, the trunnions 7938 are located in the bottom of the trunnion slots 7906 in the proximal mounting portion 7904 of the elongated channel 7902. When the distal closure tube segment 8080 is advanced distally, the distal end 8088 contacts an upstanding end wall 7944 on the anvil body 7932 to cause the anvil assembly 7930 to pivot or otherwise move toward the surgical fastener cartridge 7910. When assembled, the trunnions 7938 each extend into a corresponding opening 8092 in the distal closure tube segment 8080. See FIG. 124.

Operation of the closure drive system 8000 will now be described. The anvil assembly 7930 may be moved relative to the surgical fastener cartridge 7910 by pivoting the closure trigger toward and away from the pistol grip portion 7828 of the handle 7822. Thus, actuating the closure trigger 8002 causes the proximal closure tube segment 8010, the intermediate tube segment 8050 and the distal closure tube segment 8080 to move axially in the distal direction “DD” to contact the end wall 7944 of the anvil body portion 7932 to pivot or otherwise move the anvil 7930 toward the surgical fastener cartridge 7910. The clinician may grasp and manipulate tissue between the anvil assembly 7930 and the fastener cartridge 7910 by opening and closing the anvil assembly 7930. Once the target tissue is captured between the anvil assembly 7930 and fastener cartridge 7910, the clinician may pivot the closure trigger 8002 to the fully actuated position wherein it is locked in place for firing.

As indicated above, the frame 7830 may also be configured to operably support the firing drive system 8100 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the elongated shaft assembly 7850 and ultimately to the knife assembly 7950 and the sled assemblies 7960, 7970. As can be seen in FIGS. 119 and 128, the firing drive system 8100 may employ an electric motor 8102 that is supported in the pistol grip portion 7828 of the handle 7022. In various forms, the motor 8102 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor 302 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery 8104 (or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, for example, may be coupled to the handle 22 to supply power to a control circuit board assembly 8106 and ultimately to the motor 8102. FIG. 121 illustrates a battery pack housing 8105 that is configured to be releasably mounted to the handle 7822 for supplying control power to the surgical instrument 7810. A number of battery cells connected in series may be used as the power source to power the motor 8102. In addition, the power source may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 8102 can include a rotatable shaft 8108 that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 8110 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 8122 on a longitudinally-movable drive member 8120. The gear reducer assembly 8110 can include, among other things, a housing 8112 and an output pinion gear 8114. See FIG. 129. In certain embodiments, the output pinion gear 8114 can be directly operably engaged with the longitudinally-movable drive member 8120 or, alternatively, operably engaged with the drive member 8120 via one or more intermediate gears 8116. The intermediate gear, in at least one such embodiment, can be meshingly engaged with the set, or rack, of drive teeth 8122 defined in the drive member 8120. In use, the electric motor 8102 can move the drive member distally, indicated by an arrow “DD”, and/or proximally, indicated by an arrow “PD”, depending on the direction in which the electric motor 8102 rotates the intermediate gear. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the battery can operate the electric motor 8102 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 8102 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 8102 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 8120 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor 8102 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 8120 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle 7822 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 8102 by the battery. The handle 7822 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the movable drive member 8120 and/or the direction in which the movable drive member 8120 is being moved.

Actuation of the motor 8102 can be controlled by a firing trigger 8130 that is pivotally supported on the handle 7822. The firing trigger 8130 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 8130 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 8130, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 8130 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 8002. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 8132 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 8002. The safety button 8132 may be positioned between the firing trigger 8130 and the closure trigger 8002 and have a pivot arm (not shown) protruding therefrom. When the closure trigger 8002 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 8132 is contained in the handle housing where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 8130 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 8130 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 8002, the safety button 8132 and the firing trigger 8130 pivot down to a position wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 8120 has a rack of teeth 8122 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of the gear reducer assembly 8110. At least one form may also include a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 8120 should the motor become disabled.

Referring to FIGS. 122 and 123, various forms of the elongated shaft assembly 7850 may include a firing member assembly 7860 that is supported for axial travel within an articulation shaft assembly 8230 that is part of the articulation system 8200 and which essentially functions as shaft frame or spine. The firing member assembly 7860 may further include a proximal firing shaft 7862 that has a proximal end portion 7864 that is configured to be rotatably received in a distal cradle 8126 provided in a distal end 8124 of the movable drive member 8120. Such arrangement permits the proximal firing shaft 7862 to rotate relative to the movable drive member 8120 while also axially moving therewith. The proximal firing shaft 7862 may further have a slot 7868 formed in its distal end 7866 for receiving a proximal end 7872 of a flexible distal firing shaft assembly 7870 therein. See FIG. 123. As can be seen in that Figure, the proximal end 7872 of the distal firing shaft assembly 7870 may be received within the slot 7868 in the distal firing shaft 7862 and may be pinned thereto with a pin 7873.

The distal firing shaft assembly 7870 may include a central firing beam 7874 that is located between a right sled pusher beam 7876 and a left sled pusher beam 7878. The central firing beam 7874 and the pusher beams 7876, 7878 may, for example, each be fabricated from metal that facilitates axial actuation of the sled assemblies 7960, 7970 in the surgical end effector 7900 while also facilitating flexing thereof when the end effector 7900 is articulated as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one arrangement, the central pusher beam 7874, the right sled pusher beam 7876 and the left sled pusher beam 7878 may extend through a slot 7946 in the anvil mounting portion 7936. The right sled pusher beam 7876 corresponds to the right sled assembly 7960 and the left sled pusher beam 7878 corresponds to the left sled assembly 7970 movably supported within the elongated channel 7902. Axial movement of the right sled pusher beam 7876 and the left sled pusher beam 7878 will result in the axial advancement of the right and left sled assemblies 7960, 7970, respectively, within the elongated channel 7902. As the right sled assembly 7960 is axially advanced within the elongated channel 7902, it drives the surgical fasteners 7920 supported in the cartridge body 7912 on the right side of the slot 7914 out of their respective pockets 7916 and as the left sled assembly 7970 is axially advanced within the elongated channel 7902, it drives the surgical fasteners 7920 supported within the cartridge body 7912 on the left side of the slot 7914 out of their respective pockets 7916.

The central firing beam 7874 has a distal end 7880 that may be configured to be received within a slot 7951 provided in the knife assembly 7954 and retained therein by, for example, a frictional fit, adhesive, welding, etc. A bottom window 7905 may be formed in a distal end 7903 of the elongated channel 7902 to enable the knife assembly 7950 to be inserted therethrough. In at least one form, the elongated channel 7902 is formed with a right upstanding wall 7907 and a left upstanding wall 7908 that define a centrally-disposed channel slot 7909. Once the knife assembly 7950 is inserted into the bottom window 7905 in the elongated channel 7902, the body portion 7951 of the knife assembly 7950 may be inserted into the channel slot 7909 and advanced proximally in the elongated channel 7902 to be coupled with the distal end 7980 of the central firing beam 7874. A lower channel cover 7911 may be attached to the bottom of the elongated channel 7902 to prevent tissue, body fluids, etc. from entering into the elongated channel 7902 which might hamper the movement of the knife assembly 7950 therein.

In one form, the anvil assembly 7930 may be installed onto the elongate channel 7902 as follows. To commence the installation process, the anvil assembly 7930 is positioned over the elongated channel 7902 such that the trunnions 7938 may be inserted into notches 7913 in the proximal mounting portion 7904 of the elongated channel 7902 which enable the trunnions 7938 to enter the corresponding trunnion slots 7906 in the elongated channel 7902. See FIG. 120. This installation may be performed before the distal closure tube segment 8080 has been attached to the intermediate tube segment 8050 or after the distal closure tube segment 8080 has been moved sufficiently proximally to permit the anvil to be so positioned. Once the trunnions 8038 are received within their respective trunnion slots 7906, the distal closure tube segment 8080 may be moved to the position shown in FIGS. 126 and 127 wherein the distal closure tube segment 8080 retains the trunnions 7938 in their respective trunnion slots 7906 and the actuation tab 8090 is in biasing contact with the anvil tab 7942 which serves to pivot the anvil assembly 7930 to the open position. When in that position, each trunnion 7938 protrudes into a corresponding opening 8092 in the distal closure tube segment 8080. See FIG. 124. As shown in FIGS. 120 and 126, when the anvil assembly 7930 is in an open position, the upper end of the knife assembly 7950 enters a window 7933 in the anvil body portion 7932. Such window 7933 provides clearance for the anvil assembly 7930 to be moved to the closed positions while the knife assembly 7950 remains in the unactuated position. Once the anvil assembly 7930 has been installed with the knife assembly 7950 in place, an anvil cover 7935 may be attached to the anvil body 7934 to prevent tissue, body fluids, etc. from entering into the anvil body 7934 which might hamper the movement of the knife assembly 7950 therein. As the knife assembly 7950 is advanced distally in the end effector 7900, the upper tab 7956 of the knife assembly 7950 engages ledges in the anvil body and the lower foot 7954 engages portions 7915 of the elongated channel 7902 and serves to retain the anvil assembly 7930 in the closed position and essentially maintain the spacing between the anvil assembly 7930 and the fastener cartridge 7910.

Referring to FIGS. 122 and 123, one form of articulation system 8200 includes an articulation shaft assembly 8230 that may be operably controlled by an articulation control system 8260. In one form, for example, the articulation shaft assembly 8230 may include a right articulation shaft segment 8240 and a left articulation shaft segment 8250. The right articulation shaft segment 8240 includes a proximal end 8242 that has a right passage segment 8244 formed therein. Likewise the left articulation shaft segment 8250 includes a proximal end portion 8252 that has a left passage segment 8254 formed therein. When the right articulation shaft segment 8240 and the left articulation shaft segment 8250 are installed within the proximal closure tube segment 8010, they form the articulation shaft assembly 8230. The right passage segment 8244 and the left passage segment 8254 cooperate to receive a portion of the proximal firing shaft 7862 therein. The right articulation shaft segment 8240 and the left articulation shaft segment 8250 may be, for example, composed of a plastic, especially a glass fiber-reinforced amorphous polyamide, sold commercially under the trade name Grivory GV-6H by EMS-American Grilon.

In various arrangements, for example, the articulation control system 8260 may include a nozzle assembly 8262 that is supported for rotational travel relative to the handle 7822. As can be seen in FIG. 122, the nozzle assembly 8262 may comprise an upper nozzle segment 8264 and a lower nozzle segment 8266 that are attached together by a series of fasteners (e.g., screws) 8268. The upper nozzle segment 8264 may be configured to rotatably support an articulation control knob 8270 thereon. In one arrangement, for example, the articulation control knob 8270 extends through an opening (not shown) in the upper nozzle segment 8264 and is coupled to an articulation gear member 8272 by screws 8274. The articulation gear member 8272 may include articulation spur gear 8276 that extends into an opening 8016 in the proximal end portion 8012 of the proximal closure tube segment 8010. As can be further seen in FIG. 122, the articulation system 8200 further includes a right actuation tube adapter 8278 and a left articulation tube adapter 8280. The right articulation tube adapter 8278 has a right recess 8279 formed therein that is adapted to receive a right adapter lug 8246 formed on the proximal end 8242 of the right articulation shaft segment 8240. Likewise, the left articulation tube adapter 8280 includes a left recess 8282 that is adapted to engage a left adapter lug 8256 formed on the proximal end 8252 of the left articulation shaft segment 8250. The right articulation tube adapter 8278 further has a series of right articulation drive gears 8281 that are configured for meshing engagement with the articulation spur gear 8276. The left articulation tube adapter 8280 has a series of left articulation drive gears 8284 formed therein that are adapted to intermesh with the articulation spur gear 8276. Thus, when the articulation control knob 8270 is rotated about a control axis CA-CA that is transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT relative to the handle 7822 (FIG. 119), the left articulation shaft segment 8250 is, for example, driven axially in the distal direction “DD” within the proximal closure tube segment 8010 and the right articulation shaft segment 8240 is simultaneously axially driven in the proximal direction “PD”.

Still referring to FIG. 123, the articulation shaft assembly 8230 may further include a right articulation band 8290 and a left articulation band 8300. In one form, a proximal end portion 8292 of the right articulation band 8290 may be attached to a distal portion 8248 of the right articulation shaft segment such that a distal portion 8294 of the right articulation band 8290 protrudes out of a right passage 8249 therein. The proximal end portion 8292 of the right articulation band 8290 may include holes or cavities 8293 that are configured to receive corresponding lugs (not shown) in the right articulation shaft segment 8240 to facilitate attachment of the right articulation band 8290 to the right articulation shaft segment 8240. Likewise, a proximal end portion 8302 of the left articulation band 8300 may have holes or cavities 8303 therein that are configured to receive lugs (not shown) in the distal portion 8258 of the left articulation shaft segment 8250 to facilitate attachment of the left articulation band 8300 to the articulation shaft segment 8250. The articulation bands 8290 and 8300 may be composed of a metal, advantageously full hard 301 stainless steel or its equivalent.

FIG. 130 depicts another surgical instrument 8410 that is capable of practicing several unique benefits of the present invention. The surgical instrument 8410 is designed to manipulate and/or actuate various forms and sizes of end effectors 8412 that are operably attached to an elongated shaft assembly 8500 of the surgical instrument. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the end effector 8412 comprises a surgical stapling device that has openable and closable jaws 8413 and 8415. More specifically, the end effector 8412 includes an elongated channel 8414 that forms a lower jaw 8413 of the end effector 8412. See FIG. 131. In the illustrated arrangement, the elongated channel 8414 is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 8430 and also movably supports an anvil 8420 that functions as an upper jaw 8415 of the end effector 8412.

Referring now to FIGS. 131 and 132, the anvil 8420 may have a mounting portion 8422 that protrudes from its proximal end 8421. The mounting portion 8422 may have lateral mounting holes 8424 therethrough that enable the mounting portion 8422 to be pivotally pinned to an upstanding pivot boss 8417 formed in the elongated channel 8414 by an anvil pin 8418. The anvil 8420 may be selectively “moved” towards the surgical staple cartridge 8430 mounted in the elongated channel 8414 by axially advancing a distal closure tub segment 8590 in the distal direction “DD” as will be discussed in further detail below. In various implementations, for example, a first anvil actuation member in the form of an anvil camming pin 8419 may extend through a camming slot 8423 provided in the anvil mounting portion 8422. The camming pin 8419 is mounted in holes 8591 provided in the distal closure tube segment 8590 such that movement of the distal closure tube segment 8590 in the distal and proximal directions will result in the movement of the camming pin 8419 in the camming slot 8423. In addition, the distal closure tube segment 8590 may further include a second anvil actuation member in the form of, for example, an actuation pin 8593 that is positioned to interact with an angled actuation surface 8425 formed on the proximal end of the anvil mounting portion 8522. FIGS. 136-138 illustrate the anvil 8420 in a first or open position. The anvil 8420 may be moved to a closed position by moving the distal closure tube segment 8590 in the distal direction “DD”. Movement of the distal closure tube segment 18590 in the distal direction “DD” causes the first camming pin 8419 to move within the camming slot 8423 in the anvil mounting portion 8422 which thereby causes the anvil 8420 to pivot about the anvil pin 8418 to the closed position as illustrated in FIGS. 133-135. To return the anvil 20 to the open position (FIGS. 136-138), the distal closure tube segment 8590 is moved in the proximal direction “PD” which causes the first camming pin 8419 to move in the camming slot 8423 in an opposite direction and cam the anvil 8420 to the open position. Such closure tube arrangement differs from prior closure tube arrangements wherein the distal end of the closure tube segment is configured to contact the anvil and pivot it to a closed position. Use of the present camming pin arrangements does not require use of an anvil that has a more robust portion configured for actuation contact with the closure tube segment.

In various arrangements, the end effector 8412 may be configured to be selectively articulated about a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT that is defined by the elongated shaft assembly 8500. For example, the elongated shaft assembly 8500 may include a flexible neck assembly 8510 that enables the end effector 8412 to articulate in a first direction “FD” that is essentially the same direction that the anvil 8420 moves in when the anvil 8420 is moved from an open position to a closed position (hereinafter referred to as the anvil closing direction “CD”). See FIGS. 133 and 90. The flexible neck assembly 8510 will further facilitate articulation of the end effector 8412 in a second articulation direction “SD” that is essentially the same as the direction that the anvil moves from a closed position to an open position (hereinafter referred to the anvil opening direction “OD”). See FIGS. 133, 136 and 137.

The flexible neck assembly 110 may, for example, be composed of rigid thermoplastic polyurethane sold commercially as ISOPLAST grade 2510 by the Dow Chemical Company. The flexible neck assembly 8510 may have a flexible neck segment 8511 that comprises a first or upper flexible neck portion 8512 and a second or lower flexible neck portion 8514. These neck portions 8512, 8514 may be separated by a longitudinal rib portion 8516. The neck portions 8512, 8514 may each have a plurality of neck ribs 8518 that are configured essentially as semi-circular disks which together generally form a cylindrical configuration. An upper slot 8520 extends through each of the neck ribs 8518 of the first or upper flexible neck portion 8512 to form a passage through the first flexible neck portion 8512 for receiving a first flexible transmission band assembly 8550 therethrough. Similarly, a lower slot 8521 extends through each of the neck ribs 8518 in the second or lower flexible neck portion 8514 to form a passage for receiving a second flexible transmission band assembly 8570 therethrough. See, for example, FIG. 133. The flexible neck assembly 8510 may include guide surfaces 8524 (only one can be seen in FIG. 139) that extend proximally from the flexible neck segment 8511 for supporting the reciprocating movement of the flexible transmission band assemblies 8550, 8570.

As can be seen in FIG. 139, the first or upper transmission band assembly 8550 may include a first transmission band 8552 and the second transmission band assembly 8570 may include a second transmission band 8572. In addition, the first transmission band 8550 may have a first elongated structural portion 8554 and the second transmission band 8570 may have a second elongated structural portion 8574. When the first and second transmission bands 8550, 8570 are brought into contact with each other during assembly of the instrument, they form an elongated cylinder which has a longitudinal cavity 8560 extending concentrically through it to operably receive a firing rod 530 therethrough. See FIGS. 140 and 141. The first structural portion 8554 of the first transmission band 8552 has a first articulation rack 8556 formed thereon and the second structural portion 8574 of the second transmission band 8572 has a second articulation rack 8576 formed thereon which, as will be discussed in further detail below, drivingly interface with an articulation transmission assembly 8600.

Referring again to FIG. 139, the first transmission band 8552 may have a first exterior reinforcement band portion 8557 that extends distally from the first structural portion 8554. Likewise, the second transmission band 8572 may have a second exterior reinforcement band portion 8577 that extends distally from the second structural portion 8576. Each exterior reinforcement band portion 8557, 8577 may have a plurality of attachment lugs 8562 for securing first and second interior articulation bands 8558, 8578 thereto. For example, the first transmission band 8552 has a first interior articulation band 8558 attached thereto and the second transmission band 8572 has a second interior articulation band 8578 attached thereto. The first and second transmission bands 8552, 8572 may be composed of a plastic, especially a glass fiber-reinforced amorphous polyamide, sold commercially under the trade name Grivory GV-6H by EMS-American Grilon. In contrast, the interior articulation bands 8558, 8578 of the transmission band assembly may be composed of a metal, advantageously full hard 301 stainless steel or its equivalent. The attachment lugs 8562 on the exterior reinforcement band portions 8557, 8577 of the transmission bands 8552, 8572, respectively, are received into and secured within a plurality of lug holes 8564 on the corresponding interior articulation band 8558, 8578. See FIG. 139.

In at least one implementation, the proximal end of the elongated cartridge channel 8414 is provided with a pair of upper and lower band connector ears 8450. See FIGS. 131 and 133-135. These band connector ears 8450 are inserted into and through connector loops 8559, 8579 on the distal end of the interior articulation bands 8558, 8578, respectively. In this manner, the cartridge channel 8414 is coupled to the interior articulation bands 8558, 8578 of the flexible neck assembly 8510. Specifically, the reciprocation of the first and second flexible transmission band assemblies 8550, 8570 in opposite directions causes the interior articulation bands 8558, 8578 received in the upper and lower slots 8520, 8521 on the flexible neck segment 8511 to reciprocate in a like manner. Upon reciprocation of the interior articulation bands 8558, 8578, in particular when the first band 8558 is moved proximally in tandem with the second band 8578 moving distally, the first and second flexible neck portions 8514, 8516 bend as the neck ribs 8518 of the first flexible neck portion 8514 move toward each other and the neck ribs 8518 of the second flexible neck rib portion 8516 concurrently move away from each other. The coupling of the interior articulation bands 8558, 8578 to the exterior reinforcement band portions 8557, 8577 of the transmission bands 8552, 8572, respectively prevents the interior articulation bands 8558, 8578 from buckling between adjacent neck ribs.

In various arrangements, the distal closure tube segment 8590 is slid over the channel guide 8528 of the flexible neck assembly 8510. The proximal end 8591 of the distal closure tube segment 8590 has a pair of diametrically opposed slots 8592 therein (only one can be seen in FIGS. 130 and 139) for receiving distally protruding lugs 8513 protruding from the flexible neck portion 8511 to prevent rotation of the distal closure tube segment 8590 relative to the flexible neck portion 8511. In various embodiments, the distal closure tube segment 8590 may be retained on the channel guide 8528 by a retention tab (not shown) that extends into the fastener hole (not shown) in the channel guide 8528. However, other fastening arrangements may be employed, for example. Such arrangement causes the distal closure tube segment 8590 to move axially with the flexible neck assembly 8510.

Movement of the first and second transmission bands 8552, 8572 may be controlled by an articulation transmission assembly 8600. The component parts of one form of articulation transmission assembly 8600 are illustrated in FIG. 139. In one form, the articulation transmission assembly 8600 may include an actuator 8610, an articulation body 8620 and a nozzle 8650 (FIGS. 130 and 141). Rotational movement of the actuator 8610 causes corresponding rotation of the articulation body 8620 within the nozzle 8650. The first and second elongated transmission bands, 8552 and 8572, consequently reciprocate axially in opposite directions parallel to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT of the elongated shaft assembly 100 to cause the remote articulation of the end effector 8412.

Still referring to FIG. 139, the articulation body 8620 has a deck 8622 consisting of first and second spaced-apart, semicircular deck halves, 8624, 8626. The deck halves are mutually opposed to each other and essentially represent mirror images of each other. The first and second deck halves 8624, 8626 have protruding from their surfaces mutually opposed first and second detents 8625, 8627, respectively. Each deck half 8624, 8626 has a set of deck teeth 8628 spaced about 180 degrees from the set of deck teeth on the other deck half. The articulation body 8620 has a pair of rotation stops 8630 protruding from its surface as well as a pair of finger recesses 8632. A drive gear 8640 protrudes laterally from the articulation body 8622. The drive gear 8640 has a flared opening 8642 through it, and a lateral pivot 8644. Within the flared opening 8642 of the drive gear 8640, there is a firing rod orifice (not shown) for receiving a firing rod 8930 therethrough enabling the application of a firing motion to the end effector 8412. The drive gear 8640 is configured to intermesh with the first and second drive racks 8556, 8576, respectively to effect the desired reciprocating movement of the first and second transmission bands 8552, 8572. See FIG. 141.

The nozzle 8650 of the articulation transmission assembly 8600 may include a nozzle body 8652. The nozzle body 8652 may have an axial bore 8654 therethrough that facilitates the passage of the first transmission band assembly 8550 and the second transmission band assembly 8570 as well as for the firing rod 8930 and other operative components of the instrument 8410 including a the proximal end 8706 of a proximal outer shaft segment 8700. See FIG. 141. The nozzle body 8652 may also have a frame groove 8656 and flange 8658 to rotatably fasten the nozzle body 8652 to a housing 8800. In various forms, a detent housing 8660 comprises a portion of the nozzle body 8652. See FIG. 142. An annular array of detent teeth (not shown) is formed within the detent housing 8660. A detent housing floor is spaced from the detent teeth. The floor may have a pair of ledges which interact within the rotation stops 8630 of the articulation body 8620 to limit the degree of rotation. When the articulation body 8620 is inserted into the detent housing 8660, the base of the articulation body 8620 is supported on the floor within the detent housing 8660, and the deck teeth 8628 of the first and second deck halves, 8624, 8626 are aligned for meshing engagement with the detent teeth of the detent housing 8660. A spring member 8668 is supported within the articulation body to bias the deck teeth 8628 into meshing engagement with the detent teeth.

Referring again to FIG. 139, the actuator 8610 may consist of a lever arm 8612, a cap 8614 and a pair of retaining fingers 8616. The lever arm 8612 is mounted on the top of the cap 8614. The pair of retaining fingers 8616 protrudes laterally from the underside of the cap 8614. Each of the retaining fingers 8616 has a retaining clip. The retaining fingers 8616 are received within the finger recesses 8632 of the articulation body 8620. First and second detents, 8625, 8627, on the deck halves of the articulation body are inserted into a slot depression within the underside of the circular cap 8614. Advantageously, each of the three significant components of the articulation transmission assembly, namely the actuator, articulation body and nozzle, may be injection molded components. Such components, for example, may be fabricated from a glass fiber-reinforced amorphous polyamide, sold commercially under the trade name Grivory GV-4H by EMS--American Grilon 150.

Ratcheting rotation of the actuator 8610 causes articulation of the end effector 8412 in the first or second directions relative to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. FIG. 133 illustrates the end effector 8412 in an unarticulated position in solid lines and exemplary ranges of articulation in broken lines. When the drive gear 8640 on the articulation body 8620 of the articulation transmission 8600 is rotated to thereby drive the first transmission band assembly 150 distally in the “DD” direction and the second transmission bar assembly 8570 proximally in the proximal direction “PD”, the end effector 8412 will articulate in the first articulation direction “FD” relative to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. When the drive gear 8640 on the articulation body 8620 of the articulation transmission 8600 has been rotated to thereby drive the second articulation band assembly 8570 in the distal direction “DD” and the first articulation band assembly 8550 in the proximal direction “PD”, the end effector 8412 will pivot in a second direction “SD” relative to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT.

As can be seen in FIG. 140, the elongated shaft assembly 8500 further includes a proximal outer shaft segment 8700 that is attached to the flexible neck assembly 8510. The proximal outer shaft segment 8700 is substantially rigid and may be attached to the flexible neck portion 8511 of the flexible neck assembly 8510 by, for example, a press fit, adhesive or other suitable fastener arrangement. As can be seen in FIG. 141, in at least one embodiment, the distal end 8702 of the proximal outer shaft segment 8700 has a pair of opposed notches 8704 therein that are adapted to receive corresponding lugs 8515 protruding from the flexible neck portion 8511 such that rotation of the proximal outer shaft segment 8700 results in rotation of the flexible neck assembly 8510 and ultimately of the end effector 8412.

Still referring to FIG. 139, the proximal outer shaft segment 8700 has a proximal end 8706 that has a slot 8708 for receiving the drive gear 8640 therethrough such that the proximal outer shaft segment 8700 may move axially relative thereto. In addition, the proximal end 8706 of the proximal outer shaft segment 8700 has a flange 8710 formed thereon that facilitates rotational attachment to a closure carriage 8820 of an actuation system that is operably supported within the housing assembly 8800.

Referring now to FIG. 143, the closure carriage 8820 may comprise two carriage segments 8822 (only one is illustrated) that are interconnected together by adhesive, snap features, screws, etc. As used herein, the term “snap feature” includes, but is not limited to, for example, a tab that has a protrusion thereon that is configured to retainingly engage a corresponding mating portion of another component. Such features may be designed to releasably engage the mating portion or it may not be designed or intended to be removed. In at least one form, the closure carriage 8820 has a distal end 8824 that has a groove arrangement 8826 that is adapted to receive the flanged end 8710 of the proximal outer shaft segment 8700. Such arrangement serves to attach the proximal end 8706 of the proximal outer shaft segment 8700 to the closure carriage 8820 while facilitating its selective rotation of the proximal outer shaft segment 8700 relative to the closure carriage 8820. Therefore, the elongated shaft assembly 8500 and the end effector 8412 that is operably coupled thereto may be selectively rotated about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT relative to the housing assembly 8800.

In various implementations, the housing assembly 8800 comprises a pistol-shaped handle housing that may be fabricated in two or more pieces for assembly purposes. For example, the housing assembly 8800 as shown comprises a right hand case member 8802 and a left hand case member 8804 (FIG. 130) that are molded or otherwise fabricated from a polymer or plastic material and are designed to mate together. Such case members 8802 and 8804 may be attached together by snap features, pegs and sockets molded or otherwise formed therein and/or by adhesive, screws, etc. When assembled, the housing assembly 8800 movably supports the closure carriage 8820 for selective axial travel therein in response to actuation motions from a trigger, generally designated as 8830. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, however, it will be understood that the various unique and novel aspects and attributes of the various implementations of the present invention may be effectively attained when employed with robotically controlled or otherwise remotely controlled systems. Thus, the term “housing” or “housing assembly” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate various forms of surgical end effectors attached thereto.

The trigger assembly 8830 may, for example, comprise a primary trigger 8840 and a secondary trigger 8860. The primary and secondary triggers 8840 and 8860 are pivotally journaled on a pivot pin assembly 8831 formed in the housing assembly 8800 such that the triggers 8840 and 8860 may essentially move relative to each other. Such arrangement permits the trigger assembly 8830 to pivot relative to the housing assembly 8800 about a pivot axis PA-PA. See FIG. 143. The primary trigger 8840 has an elongated, grippable primary trigger paddle 8842 that protrudes from a primary drive portion 8844 that has a firing rack 8846 formed thereon. In one embodiment, the secondary trigger 8860 has a secondary trigger paddle 8862 that protrudes from a secondary drive portion 8864 as discussed in further detail that is pivotally journaled on the pivot pin assembly 8831. The primary drive portion 8844 has a slot 8848 that is adapted to receive the secondary drive portion 8864 of the secondary trigger 8860 therein as the primary trigger paddle 8842 is pivoted towards a pistol grip portion 8806 of the housing assembly 8800. Such arrangement essentially enables the secondary trigger 8860 to “nest” within the primary trigger 8840 during actuation. As will be discussed in detail below, the secondary trigger 8860 is pivotally actuated by pivoting the primary trigger 8840. Thus, in other embodiments, the secondary trigger 8860 may lack the secondary trigger paddle 8842. In various forms, the trigger assembly 8830 may be biased into the unactuated position by a trigger spring (not shown).

As can be seen in FIG. 143, the secondary drive portion 8864 of the secondary trigger 8860 may have a closure gear segment 8866 formed thereon that is configured for meshing engagement with a carriage gear rack 8823 formed on the underside of the closure carriage 8820. Thus, when the secondary trigger 8860 is pivoted toward the pistol grip 8806, the closure carriage 8820 is driven in the distal direction “DD”.

In various implementations, the actuation system 8810 may further include an actuation bar 8870. The actuation bar 8870 has a first actuation rack 8872 formed thereon that is configured for meshing engagement with the primary gear segment 8846 on the primary trigger 8840. Thus, when the primary gear segment 8846 is in meshing engagement with the first actuation rack 8872, the actuation bar 8870 is driven in the distal direction “DD” when the primary trigger 8840 is pivoted toward the pistol grip 8806. The actuation bar 8870 has a second actuation rack 8874 formed thereon configured to meshingly engage clutch teeth 8884 on a clutch shaft 8882 of a clutch assembly 8880. In various embodiments, the clutch shaft 8882 is rotatably is supported within the housing assembly 8800 and is also laterally movable therein. The clutch shaft 8882 has a hub portion 8886 that has a plurality of spaced teeth 8888 that are configured to drivingly engage teeth openings 8892 in a drive gear 8890 that is rotatably supported on the clutch shaft 8882. The drive gear 8890 has a segment of drive gears 8894 thereon that are adapted for meshing engagement with a firing rack 8900 that is movably supported in the housing assembly 8800.

Various embodiments of the clutch assembly 8880 may further comprise a clutch plate 8910 that is slidably journaled on a clutch pin 8849 provided on the primary drive portion 8844 of the primary trigger 8840. The clutch pin 8849 may be movably received within a vertical slot 8912 in the clutch plate 8910. The clutch plate 8910 also has a distally-extending clutch arm 8914 that is adapted to actuatably engage a bevel plate 8889 formed on the clutch shaft 8882. In addition, a clutch spring 8920 is employed to bias the clutch shaft 8880 laterally such that the teeth 8888 on the clutch shaft 8882 are brought into meshing engagement with the teeth openings 8892 in the drive gear 8890.

As can be seen in FIGS. 139 and 143, the firing rack 8900 is coupled to a firing rod 8930 that is attached to the proximal end of the knife bar assembly 8970. In various embodiments, the knife bar assembly 8970 may comprise an upper bar segment 8971 and a lower bar segment 8972. Such arrangement may enable the knife bar assembly 8970 to flex as the end effector 8412 is articulated, while remaining sufficiently rigid to be driven distally through the shaft assembly 8500. In the depicted embodiment, the upper and lower knife bar segments 8971, 8972 are each attached to an “E-beam” cutting head 8973. In the depicted configuration, the E-beam cutting head 8973 includes a vertically oriented body portion 8974 that has an upper portion 8975 and a lower portion 8976. A bottom foot 8977 is formed on or attached to the lower portion 8976. In alternative embodiments, the bottom foot may essentially comprise laterally extending lower tabs that protrude laterally from the lower portion. Similarly, at least one upper tab 8977′ is formed on or otherwise attached to the upper portion 8975 of the vertically oriented body portion 8974. In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 131, the vertically oriented body portion 8974 further includes at least one intermediate tab portion 8978 (only one is shown) as well as a tissue cutting edge 8979.

Referring to FIG. 131, the vertically oriented body portion 8974 extends through a longitudinally extending slot 8980 in the elongated channel 8414 and a longitudinally extending slot 8981 in the anvil 8420. When assembled, portions of the elongated channel 8414 are received between the bottom foot 8977 and the intermediate tab portions 8978. The, upper tab portion 8977′ is arranged to be received within the anvil 8420 above portions 8982 of the anvil 8420 that define the anvil slot 8981. To facilitate ease of assembly, the anvil 8420 may be provided with a movable anvil cover 8983 and the elongated channel 8414 may be provided with a removable channel cover 8984. Once assembled, the anvil cover 8983 and the channel cover 8984 may be installed to prevent tissue, body fluids, etc. from entering the anvil 8420 and the elongated channel 8414, respectively which may hamper operation of the cutting head 8973.

In various arrangements, each staple cartridge 8430 includes a cartridge body 8431 that has a sled assembly 8985 operably supported therein. The sled assembly 8985 may have a mounting portion 8986 that is configured to extend into a sled slot 8987 formed in the vertically oriented body portion 8974 of the cutting head 8973. See FIGS. 131 and 133. The sled assembly 8985 may be configured with wedges 8988 that are arranged to contact staple drivers 8989 that are operably supported within the staple cartridge 8430. The staple drivers 8989 may support one or more staples 8990 thereon in a known manner. As the sled assembly 8985 is driven in the distal direction DD through the staple cartridge 8430, the wedges 8988 drive the drivers 8989 upward within the cartridge 8430 in a known manner. The upwardly moving drivers 8989 drive the staples 8990 into forming contact with a staple forming undersurface of the anvil 8420. The undersurface may, for example, include staple-forming pockets that correspond to each staple.

The end effector 8412 may also employ a cutting head lockout system, generally designated as 8991 that serves to prevent distal advancement of the cutting head 8973 when a new staple cartridge 8430 is not present within the elongated channel 8414. In at least one arrangement, for example, the cutting head lockout system 8991 may comprise a lockout spring 8992 that is mounted to the bottom of elongated channel 8414. The lockout spring 8992 may be configured to contact the bottom foot 8977 of the cutting head assembly 8973 when the cutting head assembly 8974 is in the starting position. See FIGS. 133, 135 and 138. An opening 8993 may be provided through the bottom of the elongated channel 8414 such that when in that position, the lockout spring 8992 biases the bottom foot 8977 such that it interferes with the bottom of the elongated channel 8414. Thus, when the bottom foot 8977 is in that position, if the clinician were to try advance the cutting head 8973 distally through the elongated channel 8414, the bottom foot portion 8977 will contact a portion of the elongated channel 8414 to prevent such advancement of the cutting head 8973. When a cartridge 8430 has been properly installed with the elongated channel 8414, the mounting portion 8986 of the sled assembly 8985 extends into the sled slot 8987 and serves to move the cutting head assembly 8973 into a position whereby the foot portion 8977 is moved out of interfering contact with the bottom of the elongated channel 8414. When in that position, the cutting head assembly 8973 is free to be advanced distally through the elongated channel 8414. Such arrangement serves to prevent the clinician from inadvertently firing the end effector when a new cartridge is not present which could otherwise result in the tissue being cut but not stapled. As the cutting head 8973 is advanced distally, the bottom foot 8977, the intermediate tab portions 8978 and the upper tab 8977′ cooperate to orient the anvil 8420 relative to the staple cartridge deck at a desired spaced relationship relative to each other. A distally presented tissue-cutting edge 8979, which is between the upper tab 8977′ and intermediate tab portions 8978, severs clamped tissue while causing the staples 8990 within the staple cartridge 8430 to be formed into the tissue clamped within the end effector 8412.

As can be seen in FIG. 131, the upper firing bar 8971 is attached to the upper end portion 8975 and the lower firing bar 8972 is spaced from the upper firing bar 8971 and is attached to the lower end portion 8976 of the vertically-extending 8974 of the cutting head 8973. Such arrangement serves to transmit the firing motions to the upper and lower portions of the cutting head 8973 in an equivalent manner to facilitate aligned movement of the cutting head through the anvil 8420, the surgical staple cartridge 8430 and the elongated channel 8414. In various arrangements, for example, the upper firing bar 8971 may be attached to the upper end portion directly behind the upper tabs(s) 8977′ such that the upper firing bar 8971 is essentially axially aligned with point(s) from which the upper tab(s) 8977′ protrude laterally from the upper end portion 8975. Similarly, the lower firing bar 8972 may be attached to the bottom end portion 8976 directly behind the bottom foot 8977or the point(s) from which the laterally protruding bottom tabs protrude laterally from the bottom end portion 8976 such that the lower firing bar 8972 is axially aligned therewith. The upper and lower firing bars 8971, 8972 may be welded to the vertical extending portion 8974 in those locations. For example, the welds may be applied to the firing bars from one side or from both lateral sides of the firing bars. In at least one implementation, the upper and lower firing bars 8971, 8972 are not directly attached to each other. The portions of the upper and lower firing bars 8971, 8972 that extend through the elongated shaft assembly 8500 to be coupled to a distal end portion 8932 of the firing rod 8930 are supported in a contiguous orientation relative to each other. The proximal ends of the upper and lower firing bars 8971, 8972 may be attached to the distal end portion 8932 of the firing rod 8930 by a coupler member 8994. See FIG. 139. As will be discussed in further detail below, the firing rod 8930 facilitates the application of firing and retraction motions to the knife bar assembly 600 by the actuation system 8810. In at least one implementation, the anvil mounting portion 8422 has a wedge-like formation 8427 thereon that serves to separate the upper firing bar 8971 and lower firing bar 8972 as the knife bar assembly 8970 is driven in the distal direction “DD”. See, for example, FIG. 138.

In various arrangements, the firing rod 8930 extends through a closure bushing 8940 that is mounted within the housing assembly 8800. In at least one form, a pair of mounting studs 8807 protrude from the handle casings 8802, 8804 and extend through corresponding slots in the closure carriage 8820 to be received in a retaining slot in the bushing 8840. A closure spring 8950 that is attached to a retainer clip 8952 is journaled on the closure bushing 8940. The closure spring 8950 extends between the nozzle body 8652 and an internal wall 8825 in the closure carriage 8820. Thus, the closure spring 8950 serves to bias the closure carriage 8820 in the proximal direction “PD”.

Various embodiments may also include a releasable closure locking assembly 8960 that interfaces with the closure carriage 8820 to selectively retain the closure carriage 8820 in its distal-most closed or clamped position. In at least one form, the closure locking assembly 8960 includes a locking button 8962 that is pivotally supported in the housing assembly 8800. The locking button 8862 has a latch arm 8964 that is configured to abut a locking ledge 8826 formed on the closure carriage 8820 when the button 8962 is in the locked position. In addition, the latch arm 8964 has a catch 8966 formed thereon that is configured to releasably latch with a locking latch 8902 on the proximal end of the firing rack 8900. A locking spring 8968 serves to bias the locking button 8962 into the locked position.

EXAMPLES

-   Example 1—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge     body including a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, a longitudinal     slot defined in the deck extending from the proximal end toward the     distal end and staple cavities, wherein the staple cavities are     arranged in longitudinal rows. Each staple cavity comprises a top     opening defined in the deck, a bottom opening, a proximal end, a     distal end, and a staple cavity sidewall extending between the     proximal end and the distal end. The staple cartridge assembly     further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities,     wherein each staple comprises a proximal leg, a distal leg, a base     extending between the proximal leg and the distal leg, and a     retention projection extending from the base, wherein the retention     projections of the staples are engaged with the staple cavity     sidewalls to prevent the staples from falling out of the bottom     openings of the staple cavities. -   Example 2—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 1, further     comprising a sled movable from the proximal end toward the distal     end to eject the staples through the top openings of the staple     cavities. -   Example 3—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 2, wherein the     cartridge body further comprises a bottom surface defined opposite     the deck, a longitudinal channel defined in the bottom surface,     wherein at least a portion of the sled is slidably positioned in the     longitudinal channel, and a retention portion configured to prevent     the sled from falling out of the longitudinal channel through the     bottom surface. -   Example 4—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 3, wherein the     sled is movable between a proximal position and a distal position     during a firing stroke, wherein the retention portion is engaged     with the sled when the sled is in the proximal position, and wherein     the retention portion is not engaged with the sled when the sled is     in the distal position. -   Example 5—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4,     wherein the staple cartridge assembly does not comprise a cover     extending around the bottom surface of the cartridge body. -   Example 6—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or     5, wherein the cartridge body comprises at least one snap-fit     feature configured to directly engage the surgical stapler. -   Example 7—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 3, 4, or 5,     wherein the sled directly engages the staples, and wherein the     staple cartridge assembly does not comprise drivers positioned     intermediate the sled and the staples. -   Example 8—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,     6, or 7, wherein each staple is stamped from a sheet of material,     wherein the proximal leg, the distal leg, and the base of each the     staple are formed in a staple plane, and wherein the retention     projection extends laterally from the staple plane. -   Example 9—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge     body including a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, a bottom     portion, a longitudinal slot defined in the deck extending from the     proximal end toward the distal end, a longitudinal channel defined     in the bottom portion, and staple cavities, wherein each staple     cavity comprises a top opening defined in the deck and a bottom     opening defined in the bottom portion. The staple cartridge assembly     further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities, a     sled slidably positioned in the longitudinal channel, wherein the     sled is movable from the proximal end toward the distal end to eject     the staples through the top openings of the staple cavities, and a     retention portion configured to prevent the sled from falling out of     the longitudinal channel through the bottom portion. -   Example 10—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 9, wherein the     sled is movable between a proximal position and a distal position     during a firing stroke, wherein the retention portion is engaged     with the sled when the sled is in the proximal position, and wherein     the retention portion is not engaged with the sled when the sled is     in the distal position. -   Example 11—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 9 or 10,     wherein the staple cartridge assembly does not comprise a cover     extending around the bottom portion of the cartridge body. -   Example 12—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 9, 10, or 11,     wherein the sled directly engages the staples, and wherein the     staple cartridge assembly does not comprise drivers positioned     intermediate the sled and the staples. -   Example 13—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes a jaw configured to     receive the staple cartridge assembly, and wherein the staple     cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body including a proximal     end, a distal end, a deck, a bottom portion, wherein the staple     cartridge assembly does not comprise an enclosure extending around     the bottom portion, a longitudinal slot defined in the deck     extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, a     longitudinal channel defined in the bottom portion, and staple     cavities, wherein each the staple cavity comprises a top opening     defined in the deck and a bottom opening defined in the bottom     portion. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples     removably stored in the staple cavities, a sled slidably positioned     in the longitudinal channel, wherein the sled is movable from the     proximal end toward the distal end to eject the staples through the     top openings of the staple cavities during a firing stroke, and     means for preventing the sled from falling out of the longitudinal     channel through the bottom portion. -   Example 14—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 13, wherein the     sled directly engages the staples during the firing stroke. -   Example 15—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 13 or 14,     further comprising means for preventing the staples from falling out     of the staple cavities through the bottom openings. -   Example 16—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes a jaw configured to     receive the staple cartridge assembly, and wherein the staple     cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body including a proximal     end, a distal end, a deck, a bottom portion, wherein the staple     cartridge assembly does not comprise an enclosure extending around     the bottom portion, and staple cavities, wherein each the staple     cavity comprises a top opening defined in the deck and a bottom     opening defined in the bottom portion. The staple cartridge assembly     further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities,     wherein the cartridge body includes shelves integrally formed with     the cartridge body that prevent the staples from falling out of the     staple cavities through the bottom openings. -   Example 17—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge     body including a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, a longitudinal     slot defined in the deck extending from the proximal end toward the     distal end, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity comprises a top     opening defined in the deck, a bottom opening, a proximal guide, a     distal guide, a sidewall extending between the proximal guide and     the distal guide, and an intermediate guide extending inwardly from     the sidewall. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a     staple removably stored in the staple cavity including a proximal     leg positioned within the proximal guide, a distal leg positioned     within the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal     leg and the distal leg, wherein the intermediate guide is positioned     to guide the base and hold the proximal leg in the proximal guide     and the distal leg in the distal guide. -   Example 18—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 17, wherein the     staple cavity further comprises a proximal cavity end proximal to     the proximal guide and a distal cavity end distal to the distal     guide. -   Example 19—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 18, wherein the     staple is not positioned in the proximal cavity end and the distal     cavity end. -   Example 20—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 18 or 19,     wherein a first clearance gap is present between the staple base,     the intermediate guide, and the distal cavity end, and wherein a     second clearance gap is present between the staple base, the     intermediate guide, and the proximal cavity end. -   Example 21—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, or     20, wherein the base comprises a flat guide surface interfaced with     the intermediate guide. -   Example 22—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     or 21, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a plurality of     the staple cavities, and wherein the staple cartridge assembly     further comprises a plurality of the staples positioned in the     staple cavities. -   Example 23—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, or 22, wherein the proximal guide, the distal guide, and the     intermediate guide triangulate the control of the staple as the     staple is ejected from the staple cavity. -   Example 24—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, 22 or 23, wherein the proximal guide and the distal guide extend     above the deck. -   Example 25—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, 22, 23, or 24, wherein the intermediate guide extends above the     deck. -   Example 26—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg     of the staple define a leg plane, wherein the base comprises a drive     surface in a drive plane, and wherein the drive plane is offset from     the leg plane. -   Example 27—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein the proximal leg and the distal     leg are pinched toward each other by the proximal guide and the     distal guide. -   Example 28—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the intermediate guide     comprises a resilient biasing member engaged with the base     configured to push the proximal leg into the proximal guide and the     distal leg into the distal guide. -   Example 29—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the intermediate guide is     positioned closer to the distal guide than the proximal guide. -   Example 30—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20,     21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the intermediate guide is     positioned equidistant between the distal guide and the proximal     guide. -   Example 31—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge     body including a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, a longitudinal     slot defined in the deck extending from the proximal end toward the     distal end, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity comprises a top     opening defined in the deck, a bottom opening, a proximal guide, a     distal guide, and a sidewall extending between the proximal guide     and the distal guide. The staple cartridge assembly further     comprises a staple removably stored in the staple cavity including a     proximal leg positioned within the proximal guide, a distal leg     positioned within the distal guide, wherein the proximal leg and the     distal leg define a leg plane, and wherein the proximal leg and the     distal leg are pinched toward each other by the proximal guide and     the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and     the distal leg, wherein the base comprises a drive surface in a     drive plane, and wherein the drive plane is offset from the leg     plane. -   Example 32—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 31, wherein the     leg plane is parallel to the drive plane. -   Example 33—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 31 or 32,     wherein the cartridge body further comprises a plurality of the     staple cavities, and wherein the staple cartridge assembly further     comprises a plurality of the staples positioned in the staple     cavities. -   Example 34—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge     body including a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, a longitudinal     slot defined in the deck extending from the proximal end toward the     distal end, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity comprises a top     opening defined in the deck, a bottom opening, a proximal guide, a     distal guide, a sidewall extending between the proximal guide and     the distal end guide, and an intermediate guide extending inwardly     from the staple cavity sidewall. The staple cartridge assembly     further comprises a staple removably stored in the staple cavity     including a proximal leg positioned within the proximal guide, a     distal leg positioned within the distal guide, and a base extending     between the proximal leg and the distal leg, wherein the proximal     guide, the distal guide, and the intermediate guide triangulate the     control of the staple as the staple is ejected from the staple     cavity. -   Example 35—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 34, wherein the     cartridge body further comprises a plurality of the staple cavities,     and wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a     plurality of the staples positioned in the staple cavities. -   Example 36—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge     body including a proximal cartridge end, a distal cartridge end, a     deck, a longitudinal knife slot defined in the deck extending from     the proximal cartridge end toward the distal cartridge end, and a     staple cavity. The staple cavity comprises a top opening defined in     the deck, a proximal cavity end, a distal cavity end, a proximal     guide, a distal guide, wherein the proximal guide and the distal     guide extend above the deck, and a cavity slot extending between the     proximal cavity end and the distal cavity end, wherein the proximal     guide and the distal guide extend laterally with respect to the     cavity slot. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a     staple removably stored in the staple cavity including a proximal     leg positioned within the proximal guide, a distal leg positioned     within the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal     leg and the distal leg, wherein the base is positioned in the cavity     slot. -   Example 37—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 36, wherein the     proximal guide and the distal guide extend toward the knife slot. -   Example 38—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 36, wherein the     proximal guide and the distal guide extend away from the knife slot. -   Example 39—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 36, 37, or 38,     wherein the proximal guide comprises a proximal bracket. -   Example 40—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 39, wherein the     proximal bracket does not extend around the proximal cavity end. -   Example 41—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 39 or 40,     wherein the cavity slot is defined by a longitudinal axis, and     wherein the proximal bracket is not aligned with the longitudinal     axis. -   Example 42—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39,     40, or 41, wherein the distal guide comprises a distal bracket. -   Example 43—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 42, wherein the     distal bracket does not extend around the distal cavity end. -   Example 44—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 42 or 43,     wherein the cavity slot is defined by a longitudinal axis, and     wherein the distal bracket is not aligned with the longitudinal     axis. -   Example 45—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39,     40, 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg     define a staple leg plane, wherein the base comprises a drive     surface in a drive plane offset from the staple leg plane, wherein     the proximal guide and the distal guide are aligned with the staple     plane, and wherein the proximal guide and the distal guide are not     aligned with the drive plane. -   Example 46—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39,     40, 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg     define a staple leg plane, wherein the base comprises a drive     surface in a drive plane offset from the staple leg plane, and     wherein the proximal guide and the distal guide define a bracket     plane aligned with the staple leg plane. -   Example 47—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39,     40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the cartridge body further     comprises a plurality of the staple cavities, and wherein the staple     cartridge assembly further comprises a plurality of the staples     positioned in the staple cavities. -   Example 48—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39,     40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, or 47, wherein a portion of the proximal     guide that extends above the deck comprises a staple cavity     extender, and wherein a portion of the distal guide that extends     above the deck comprises a staple cavity extender. -   Example 49—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapler, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge     body including a proximal cartridge end, a distal cartridge end, a     deck, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity includes a proximal     cavity end, a distal cavity end, a proximal guide extending above     and below the deck, a distal guide extending above and below the     deck, and a connecting slot extending between the proximal cavity     end and the distal cavity end, wherein the proximal guide and the     distal guide extend laterally with respect to the connecting slot.     The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a staple removably     stored in the staple cavity comprising a proximal leg positioned     within the proximal guide, a distal leg positioned within the distal     guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal     leg, wherein the base is positioned in the cavity slot. -   Example 50—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 49, wherein the     cartridge body further comprises a plurality of the staple cavities,     and wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a     plurality of the staples positioned in the staple cavities. -   Example 51—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 49 or 50,     wherein the portion of the proximal guide that extends above the     deck comprises a staple cavity extender, and wherein the portion of     the distal guide that extends above the deck comprises a staple     cavity extender -   Example 52—A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     fastening instrument, wherein the fastener cartridge assembly     comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal cartridge end, a     distal cartridge end, a deck, and a fastener pocket. The fastener     pocket comprises a proximal pocket end, a distal pocket end, a     proximal guide, a distal guide, a proximal pocket extender, wherein     the proximal pocket extender extends above the deck, a distal pocket     extender, wherein the proximal pocket extender extends above the     deck, and a pocket opening extending between the proximal pocket end     and the distal pocket end, wherein the proximal guide and the distal     guide extend laterally with respect to the pocket opening. The     fastener cartridge assembly further comprises a fastener removably     stored in the fastener pocket comprising a proximal leg positioned     within the proximal guide, a distal leg positioned within the distal     guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal     leg, wherein the base is positioned in the pocket opening. -   Example 53—The fastener cartridge assembly of Example 52, wherein     the cartridge body further comprises a plurality of the fastener     pockets, and wherein the fastener cartridge assembly further     comprises a plurality of the fasteners positioned in the fastener     pockets. -   Example 54—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     instrument, the staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge     body including a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, and staple     cavities defined in the deck. The staple cartridge assembly further     comprises staples removably positioned in the staple cavities and a     firing member comprising a channel aligned with the staples, wherein     the channel comprises a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral     sidewall, and wherein the channel is configured to receive the     staples between the first lateral sidewall and the second lateral     sidewall. -   Example 55—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 54, wherein the     channel is defined on an inclined surface of the firing member. -   Example 56—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54 or 55,     wherein the channel comprises a ramp portion configured to lift the     staples within the staple cavities during a firing stroke of the     firing member and an apex portion configured to form the staples     against an anvil of the surgical instrument to a final formed     height. -   Example 57—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 56, wherein the     channel comprises a trailing portion positioned proximally with     respect to the apex portion, and wherein the apex portion is     positioned above the trailing portion. -   Example 58—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, or     57, wherein the firing member comprises a sled including a plurality     of wedges, and wherein the channel is defined on one of the wedges. -   Example 59—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57,     or 58, wherein the firing member further comprises a ramp configured     to initially lift the staples within the staple cavities and guide     the staples into the channel. -   Example 60—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57,     58, or 59, wherein the channel comprises a mouth portion and a     longitudinal portion, wherein the mouth portion provides a lead-in     to the longitudinal portion, and wherein the mouth portion is wider     than the longitudinal portion. -   Example 61—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57,     58, 59, or 60, wherein the staples are received within the channel     without a staple driver positioned between the staples and the     channel. -   Example 62—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57,     58, 59, 60, or 61, wherein the first lateral sidewall is parallel to     the second lateral sidewall. -   Example 63—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57,     58, 59, 60, or 61, wherein the first lateral sidewall is not     parallel to the second lateral sidewall. -   Example 64—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57,     58, 59, 60, or 61, wherein the first lateral sidewall and the second     lateral are angled with respect to each other to create a staple     entry lead-in. -   Example 65—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57,     58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, or 64, wherein the channel comprises a first     channel, and wherein the firing member further comprises a second     channel configured to receive the staples. -   Example 66—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 65, wherein each     staple comprises a drive portion configured to enter the first     channel, and a forming portion configured to enter the second     channel. -   Example 67—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 65 or 66,     wherein the first channel extends at an angle relative to the second     channel. -   Example 68—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 65, 66, or 67,     wherein the first channel and the second channel are parallel to one     another in a first region and non-parallel to one another in a     second region. -   Example 69—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 65, 66, 67, or     68, wherein the second channel is configured to receive the staples     before the first channel as the firing member is advanced toward the     distal end. -   Example 70—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     instrument, the staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge     body comprising a deck and staple cavities defined in the deck,     staples removably positioned in the staple cavities, and a firing     member comprising a ramp configured to directly engage the staples     and a rail extending from the ramp configured to orient the staples     relative to the ramp. -   Example 71—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 70, wherein the     rail comprises a first rail, and wherein the firing member further     comprises a second rail extending from the ramp configured to orient     the staples relative to the ramp. -   Example 72—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 71, wherein the     first rail is parallel to the second rail. -   Example 73—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical     stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the anvil includes     forming pockets, and wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises     a cartridge body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a deck,     and staple cavities defined in the deck. The staple cartridge     assembly comprises staples removably positioned in the staple     cavities, wherein each staple comprises a staple driving portion and     a staple forming portion, and a firing member comprising a first     guide channel aligned with the staple driving portions of the     staples and a second guide channel aligned with the staple forming     portions of the staples, wherein the first guide channel and the     second guide channel are configured to co-operatively align the     staples with the staple forming pockets of the anvil when the firing     member is moved toward the distal end. -   Example 74—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     including a deck, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a     second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge     assembly further comprises a plurality of first staples, wherein     each first staple is removably stored in the first longitudinal row     of staple cavities, and wherein each first staple comprises a     unitary structure including a first base including a first drive     surface and a first staple leg extending from the first base and     including a first tip, wherein a first unformed distance is defined     between the first drive surface and the first tip, a plurality of     second staples, wherein each second staple is removably stored in     the second longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein each     second staple comprises a unitary structure including a second base     including a second drive surface and a second staple leg extending     from the second base and including a second tip, wherein a second     unformed distance is defined between the second drive surface and     the second tip which is different than the first unformed distance,     and a firing member configured to directly engage the first staples     and the second staples. -   Example 75—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 74, wherein the     first staples and the second staples are formed from a sheet of     metal. -   Example 76—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74 or 75,     wherein each first base includes a first tissue supporting surface,     wherein a first tissue capture distance is defined between the first     tissue supporting surface and the first tip, wherein each second     base includes a second tissue supporting surface, wherein a second     tissue capture distance is defined between the second tissue     supporting surface and the second tip, and wherein the first tissue     capture distance is different than the second tissue capture     distance. -   Example 77—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74, 75, or 76,     wherein the deck comprises a first deck height along the first     longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second deck height along     second the longitudinal row of staple cavities which is different     than the first deck height. -   Example 78—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 77, wherein the     cartridge body further comprises a longitudinal slot configured to     receive a cutting member, wherein the first longitudinal row of     staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the     second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the first     longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein the second deck     height is shorter than the first deck height. -   Example 79—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77,     or 78, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a longitudinal     slot configured to receive a cutting member, wherein the first     longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal     slot, and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is     adjacent the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. -   Example 80—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77,     78, or 79, wherein the first unformed distance is shorter than the     second unformed distance. -   Example 81—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77,     78, 79, or 80, further comprising an anvil configured to deform the     staples. -   Example 82—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 81, wherein the     anvil is configured to deform the first staples to a first deformed     height and the second staples to a second deformed height which is     different than the first deformed height. -   Example 83—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 81 or 82,     wherein the cartridge body is movable toward the anvil to clamp     tissue between the anvil and the deck of the cartridge body. -   Example 84—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 81, 82, or 83,     wherein the anvil is movable toward the cartridge body to clamp     tissue between the anvil and the deck of the cartridge body. -   Example 85—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77,     78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, or 84, further comprising staple cavity     extenders extending from the deck. -   Example 86—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77,     78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85, further comprising an implantable     layer positioned over the deck. -   Example 87—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     comprising a deck, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and     a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge     assembly further comprises a plurality of first staples, wherein     each first staple is removably stored in the first longitudinal row     of staple cavities, and wherein each first staple comprises a     unitary structure including a first base including a first drive     surface and a first tissue supporting surface and a first staple leg     extending from the first base including a first tip, wherein a first     tissue capture distance is defined between the first tissue     supporting surface and the first tip, a plurality of second staples,     wherein each second staple is removably stored in the second     longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein each second staple     comprises a unitary structure including a second base including a     second drive surface and a second tissue supporting surface and a     second staple leg extending from the second base including a second     tip, wherein a second tissue capture distance is defined between the     second tissue supporting surface and the second tip which is     different than the first tissue capture distance, and a firing     member configured to directly engage the first staples and the     second staples. -   Example 88—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 87, wherein the     deck comprises a first deck height along the first longitudinal row     of staple cavities and a second deck height along second the     longitudinal row of staple cavities which is different than the     first deck height. -   Example 89—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 88, wherein the     cartridge body further comprises a longitudinal slot configured to     receive a cutting member, wherein the first longitudinal row of     staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the     second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the first     longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein the second deck     height is shorter than the first deck height. -   Example 90—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 87, 88, or 89,     further comprising an anvil configured to deform the staples. -   Example 91—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 90, wherein the     anvil is configured to deform the first staples to a first deformed     height and the second staples to a second deformed height which is     different than the first deformed height. -   Example 92—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 90 or 91,     wherein the cartridge body is movable toward the anvil to clamp     tissue between the anvil and the deck of the cartridge body. -   Example 93—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     comprising a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second     longitudinal row of staple cavities, a plurality of first staples     removably stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities,     wherein each first staple is comprised of stamped metal and includes     an integrally-formed metal driver, a plurality of second staples     removably stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities,     wherein each second staple is comprised of stamped metal and     includes an integrally-formed metal driver, and means for forming     the first staples to a first deformed height and the second staples     to a second deformed height, wherein the first deformed height is     different than the second deformed height. -   Example 94—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a staple cartridge     body including a deck and staple cavities defined in the deck,     staples removable stored in the staple cavities, wherein each staple     comprises a base, a leg extending from the base, and a platform     extending laterally from the base, and an implantable layer     positioned over the deck, wherein the platforms of the staples are     configured to abut the layer when the staples are implanted into the     tissue of a patient. -   Example 95—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 94, wherein each     staple is stamped from a sheet of material, wherein the base defines     a base plane, and wherein the platform is folded out of the base     plane. -   Example 96—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 94 or 95,     wherein the implantable layer comprises a woven material. -   Example 97—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 94, 95, or 96,     wherein the implantable layer comprises a non-woven material. -   Example 98—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 94, 95, 96, or     97, further comprising a retention member extending from the leg     adjacent the base, wherein the retention member is configured to     engage the implantable layer when staples are implanted into the     tissue of a patient. -   Example 99—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97,     or 98, wherein the platform is flat. -   Example 100—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97     98, or 99, wherein the platform is not directly attached to the leg. -   Example 101—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a staple     cartridge body including a deck and staple cavities defined in the     deck, staples removable stored in the staple cavities, wherein each     staple comprises a crown, a first leg and a second leg extending     from the crown, and a platform extending laterally from the crown,     and an implantable layer positioned over the deck, wherein the     platforms of the staples are configured to support the layer when     the staples are implanted into the tissue of a patient. -   Example 102—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 101, wherein     each staple is stamped from a sheet of material, wherein the crown     defines a crown plane, and wherein the platform is folded out of the     crown plane. -   Example 103—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 101 or 102,     wherein the implantable layer comprises a woven material. -   Example 104—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 101, 102, or     103, wherein the implantable layer comprises a non-woven material. -   Example 105—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 101, 102, 103,     or 104, further comprising a retention member extending from the leg     adjacent the crown, wherein the retention member is configured to     engage the implantable layer when staples are implanted into the     tissue of a patient. -   Example 106—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 101, 102, 103,     104, or 105, wherein the platform is flat. -   Example 107—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 101, 102, 103,     104, 105, or 106, wherein each staple comprises a compliant adjunct     positioned adjacent the crown. -   Example 108—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 107, wherein     the compliant adjunct extends between the first leg and the second     leg. -   Example 109—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 107 or 108,     wherein the compliant adjunct is attached to the first leg and the     second leg. -   Example 110—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 107, 108, or     109, wherein the compliant adjunct comprises a first aperture and a     second aperture, wherein the first leg extends through the first     aperture, and wherein the second leg extends through the second     aperture. -   Example 111—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 107, 108, 109,     or 110, wherein the compliant adjunct comprises a cavity and at     least one medicament positioned in the cavity. -   Example 112—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 107, 108,     109,110, or 111, wherein the compliant adjunct comprises a     compressible enclosure. -   Example 113—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a staple     cartridge body including a deck and staple cavities defined in the     deck, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein     each staple comprises a crown, a first leg and a second leg     extending from the crown, a platform extending laterally from the     crown, and a compliant adjunct positioned adjacent the crown. -   Example 114—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 113, wherein     the compliant adjunct extends between the first leg and the second     leg. -   Example 115—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 113 or 114,     wherein the compliant adjunct is attached to the first leg and the     second leg. -   Example 116—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 113, 114, or     115, wherein the compliant adjunct comprises a first aperture and a     second aperture, wherein the first leg extends through the first     aperture, and wherein the second leg extends through the second     aperture. -   Example 117—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 113, 114, 115,     or 116, wherein the compliant adjunct comprises a cavity and at     least one medicament positioned in the cavity. -   Example 118—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 113, 114, 115,     116, or 117, wherein the compliant adjunct comprises a compressible     enclosure. -   Example 119—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     including a deck and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the     deck, and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities,     wherein each staple comprises a first portion comprised of an alloy     including zinc and magnesium and a second portion comprised of an     absorbable polymer, wherein the second portion is disposed on the     first portion, and wherein the second portion covers less than the     entirety of the first portion. -   Example 120—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 119, wherein     the first portion comprises a base and a staple leg extending from     the base, and wherein the second portion extends around the staple     leg in a spiral pattern. -   Example 121—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 119 or 120,     wherein the second portion is coated on the first portion in a     dot-matrix pattern. -   Example 122—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 119, 120, or     121, wherein the first portion comprises a base and a staple leg     extending from the base, wherein a corner is defined between the     base and the staple leg, and wherein the second portion covers the     corner. -   Example 123—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121,     or 122, wherein the absorbable polymer comprises a non-crosslinked     polymer. -   Example 124—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121,     122, or 123, wherein the second portion is coated on the first     portion in a mesh pattern. -   Example 125—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121,     122, 123, or 124, wherein the first portion comprises a base and a     staple leg extending from the base, wherein the staple leg comprises     a tissue penetrating tip, and wherein the staple further comprises     magnesium nitride disposed on the tip. -   Example 126—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121,     122, 123, 124, or 125, wherein the staple further comprises a     coating of ionized silver on at least part of the first portion that     is not coated by the second portion. -   Example 127—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121,     122, 123, 124, 125, or 126, further comprising at least one aperture     in the first portion. -   Example 128—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     including a deck and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the     deck and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities,     wherein each staple comprises a metal frame comprised of a magnesium     alloy and an absorbable polymer coated on the metal frame, wherein     the absorbable polymer does not cover every portion of the metal     frame. -   Example 129—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     including a deck and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the     deck, and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities,     wherein each staple comprises a metal frame comprised of a magnesium     alloy, wherein the metal frame comprises a base and a leg extending     from the base, and wherein the leg comprises a tissue penetrating     tip, and a magnesium nitride coating on the tip. -   Example 130—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 129, wherein     each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer coated on the     metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer does not cover every     portion of the metal frame. -   Example 131—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 129 or 130,     wherein each staple further comprises a coating comprising silver on     at least a portion of the metal frame. -   Example 132—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     including a deck and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the     deck, and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities,     wherein each staple comprises a metal frame comprised of a magnesium     alloy, wherein the metal frame comprises a base and a leg extending     from the base, and wherein the leg comprises a tissue penetrating     tip, and a coating comprising silver on at least a portion of the     metal frame. -   Example 133—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 132, wherein     each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer coated on the     metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer does not cover every     portion of the metal frame. -   Example 134—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 132 or 133,     further comprising a magnesium nitride coating on the tip. -   Example 135—A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body     including a deck and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the     deck, and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities,     wherein each staple comprises a metal frame comprised of a magnesium     alloy, wherein the metal frame comprises a base and a leg extending     from the base, and wherein the leg comprises tissue penetrating tip,     and an aperture defined in the metal frame. -   Example 136—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 135, wherein     each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer coated on the     metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer does not cover every     portion of the metal frame. -   Example 137—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 135, wherein     each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer coated on the     metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer is not positioned in     the aperture. -   Example 138—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 135, wherein     each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer coated on the     metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer is positioned in the     aperture. -   Example 139—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 135, wherein     each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer coated on the     metal frame, and wherein the aperture is filled with the absorbable     polymer. -   Example 140—A staple cartridge assembly for stapling tissue     comprising a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end,     and a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples     positioned in the staple cavities, wherein each staple comprises a     base a leg extending from the base, wherein the leg comprises a tip     configured to penetrate the tissue, and a foot extending from the     base, and a firing member configured to eject the staples from the     staple cavities, wherein the firing member is configured to contact     the foot of any staple that is misoriented within its staple cavity     prior to ejecting the misoriented staple from its staple cavity. -   Example 141—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 140, wherein     the firing member comprises a firing ramp configured to contact the     bases of the staples to drive the staples out of the staple cavities     and an alignment ramp configured to contact the feet of the staples     if the staples are misoriented. -   Example 142—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 140 or 141,     wherein the firing member further comprises a firing channel aligned     with the firing ramp, wherein the firing channel is configured to     receive the bases of the staples, and an alignment channel aligned     with the alignment ramp, wherein the alignment channel is configured     to receive the feet of the staples once the staples are properly     oriented. -   Example 143—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 141 or 142,     wherein the alignment ramp extends distally with respect to the     firing ramp such that the alignment ramp can contact the feet of the     staples before the firing ramp contacts the bases of the staples. -   Example 144—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 140, 141, 142,     or 143, wherein the foot of the staple is positioned proximally with     respect to the base of the staple. -   Example 145—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 140, 141, 142,     143, or 144, wherein the firing member is not configured to contact     the feet of the staples if the staples are properly oriented within     the staple cavities. -   Example 146—A staple cartridge assembly for stapling tissue     comprising a cartridge body comprising a proximal end and a distal     end, and a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity     comprises a top opening, a proximal wall, and a distal wall. The     staple cartridge assembly further comprises a firing member and a     plurality of staples positioned in the staple cavities, wherein each     staple comprises a base, a proximal leg extending from the base, a     distal leg extending from the base, and center of mass defined in     the base, wherein the distal wall provides a distal reaction force     to the staple above the center of mass and the proximal wall     provides a proximal reaction force to the staple below the center of     mass wherein the staple is lifted toward the top opening by the     firing member. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a     firing member configured to eject the staples from the staple     cavities, wherein the firing member is configured to contact the     foot of any staple that is misoriented within its staple cavity     prior to ejecting the misoriented staple from its staple cavity. -   Example 147—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 146, wherein     the base defines a drive plane, and wherein the proximal leg and the     distal leg are not in the drive plane. -   Example 148—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 146 or 147,     wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg are offset laterally     from the center of mass of the staple. -   Example 149—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 146, 147, or     148, wherein the distal wall applies the distal reaction force to     the distal leg and the proximal wall applies the proximal reaction     force to the proximal leg. -   Example 150—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 147, wherein     the proximal leg extends to a first side of the drive plane and the     distal leg extends to a second side of the drive plane. -   Example 151—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 146, 147, 148,     149, or 150, wherein the base comprises a notch defined therein     configured to shift the center of mass of the staple toward a side     of the staple cavity. -   Example 152—A staple cartridge assembly for stapling tissue     comprising a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end,     and a plurality of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly     further comprises a plurality of staples positioned in the staple     cavities, wherein each staple comprises a base defining a drive     plane and a leg extending from the base, wherein the leg extends to     a side of the drive plane, a firing member configured to eject the     staples from the staple cavities, and means for reducing the     rotation of the staples within the staple cavities when the firing     member is driving the staples out of the staple cavities. -   Example 153—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapling instrument, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a     cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of     staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein each staple     comprises a staple base portion which defines a first plane, a     center of mass located within the staple base portion, a first     staple leg extending from the staple base portion, and a second     staple leg extending from the staple base portion, wherein the first     staple leg and the second staple leg define a second plane which is     offset and at least substantially parallel to the first plane. -   Example 154—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 153, wherein     the first staple leg and the second staple leg are configured to     form toward the staple base portion. -   Example 155—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153 or 154,     wherein the staple base portion comprises a compression surface     comprising a contour configured to limit tissue compression. -   Example 156—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, or     155, wherein the staple base portion comprises a bottom surface, and     wherein the first staple leg further comprises an engagement foot     elevated above the bottom surface. -   Example 157—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     or 156, wherein the staple base portion comprises an inner wall and     a top surface, wherein the inner wall and the top surface comprise a     cutout configured to cause the staple base portion to lean toward     the staple legs. -   Example 158—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, or 157, wherein the first staple leg extends higher than the     second staple leg. -   Example 159—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, or 158, wherein the staple base portion comprises a     rectangular cross-sectional profile. -   Example 160—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, 158, or 159, wherein the first staple leg and the second     staple leg comprise a substantially round cross-sectional profile. -   Example 161—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, 158, 159, or 160, wherein the first staple leg and the     second staple leg comprise coined corners. -   Example 162—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, 158, 159, 160, or 161, wherein the first staple leg is     proximal the second staple leg, wherein the staple base portion     comprises a distal wall, and wherein the distal wall is proximal to     the second staple leg. -   Example 163—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, or 162, wherein the first staple leg     comprises a first height and the second staple leg comprises a     second height different than the first height. -   Example 164—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, or 163, wherein the first staple     leg and the second staple leg each comprise a staple tip configured     to form against corresponding forming pockets of an anvil, wherein     the corresponding forming pockets comprise a valley and a forming     surface, and wherein the valley is configured to funnel the staple     tips toward the forming surface. -   Example 165—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, or 164, wherein the first     staple leg and the second staple leg are configured to form against     corresponding forming pockets, wherein the corresponding forming     pockets are configured to form the first staple leg in a first     direction and the second staple leg in a second direction, and     wherein the first direction is opposite and at least substantially     parallel to the second direction. -   Example 166—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 165, wherein     the first direction points away from the staple base portion, and     wherein the second direction points toward the staple base portion. -   Example 167—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 153, 154, 155,     156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, or 166, wherein     the first staple leg and the second staple leg are configured to     form against corresponding forming pockets, wherein the     corresponding forming pockets are configured to form the first     staple leg in a first curved direction and the second staple leg in     a second curved direction. -   Example 168—A surgical staple comprising a staple base portion     defining a first plane, a first staple leg extending at least     substantially perpendicular from the staple base portion, and a     second staple leg extending at least substantially perpendicular     from the staple base portion, wherein the first staple leg and the     second staple leg define a second plane, wherein the first plane and     the second plane intersect. -   Example 169—A surgical staple cartridge comprising a plurality of     the surgical staple of Examples 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158,     159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, or 168, wherein the     surgical staples are arranged in a plurality of woven rows. -   Example 170—The surgical staple of Examples 168 or 169, wherein the     staple is configured to form into an S-shape configuration. -   Example 171—A surgical staple comprising a staple base portion     comprising a bottom surface which defines a bottom plane, a center     of mass located within the staple base portion, and a first staple     leg and a second staple leg extending from the staple base portion     and defining a staple leg plane which is offset and at least     substantially parallel to the staple base portion, wherein the first     staple leg comprises an engagement foot elevated above the bottom     plane. -   Example 172—The surgical staple of Example 171, wherein the     engagement foot is laterally offset with respect to the staple base     portion. -   Example 173—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapler including an anvil to staple tissue, wherein the anvil     comprises a plurality of forming pockets, the surgical staple     cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a plurality of staple     cavities, and a plurality of staples removably stored within the     staple cavities, wherein each staple comprises a base and a staple     leg extending from the base, wherein the staple leg comprises a     staple tip comprising a piercing portion, wherein the piercing     portion is configured to puncture tissue and deform against the     forming pocket of the anvil, and wherein the piercing portion is     configured to deform into a nested configuration such that the     piercing tip is isolated from the tissue. -   Example 174—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 173, wherein     the nested configuration comprises a hook configuration configured     to prevent the surgical staple from pulling through the tissue. -   Example 175—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 173 or 174,     wherein the staple tip further comprises a cutout portion configured     to receive the piercing portion when the piercing portion is     deformed. -   Example 176—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 175, wherein     the cutout portion is concave. -   Example 177—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 175 or 176,     wherein each staple comprises another staple leg extending from the     base, wherein the another staple leg comprises another staple tip     comprising another cutout portion, and wherein the cutout portion     and the another cutout portion face each other. -   Example 178—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 173, 174, 175,     176, or 177, wherein the staple tip further comprises a curling     surface configured to ride against a corresponding forming pocket of     the anvil. -   Example 179—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 173, 174, 175,     176, 177, or 178, wherein each staple comprises another staple leg,     wherein the staple leg and the another staple leg define a first     plane, wherein the staple base defines a second plane, and wherein     the first plane and the second plane are laterally offset from each     other. -   Example 180—A surgical staple for use with a surgical stapler     including an anvil, wherein the anvil comprises a forming pocket,     the surgical staple comprising a staple base portion and a staple     leg extending from the staple base portion, wherein the staple leg     comprises a staple tip, and wherein the staple tip comprises a     piercing tip configured to contact the forming pocket to deform the     staple leg and a cutout portion, wherein the piercing tip is     configured to curl in toward the cutout portion upon contact with     the forming pocket such that the staple tip assumes a non-piercing     configuration. -   Example 181—The surgical staple of Example 180, wherein the     non-piercing configuration comprises a hook configuration configured     to prevent the surgical staple from pulling through the tissue. -   Example 182—The surgical staple of Examples 180 or 181, wherein the     cutout portion is configured to receive the piercing tip when the     staple tip is deformed. -   Example 183—The surgical staple of Examples 180, 181, or 182,     wherein the cutout portion is concave. -   Example 184—The surgical staple of Examples 180, 181, 182, or 183,     wherein the staple tip further comprises a deformable surface     configured to form against the forming pocket of the anvil. -   Example 185—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapler including an anvil, the surgical staple cartridge comprising     a cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of     flat-formed staples removably stored within the staple cavities,     wherein each staple comprises a staple base portion and a staple leg     extending from the base portion, wherein the staple leg comprises a     staple tip comprising a rounded profile and a piercing portion. -   Example 186—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 185, wherein     the rounded profile is attained by a cold working process. -   Example 187—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 185 or 186,     wherein the staple tip comprises a coined portion. -   Example 188—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 185, 186, or     187, wherein the staple tip further comprises a deformable surface     configured to form against a forming pocket of the anvil. -   Example 189—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 185, 186, 187,     or 188, wherein the staple tip comprises a first hardness, and     wherein the staple leg comprises a second hardness different than     the first hardness. -   Example 190—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 189, wherein     the first hardness is greater than the second hardness. -   Example 191—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapling instrument, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a     cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of     staples removably stored within the staple cavities, wherein each     staple comprises a staple base and a pair of staple legs extending     from the staple base, wherein each staple leg comprises a staple     tip, wherein the staple legs comprise a first zone comprising a     first hardness, and wherein the staple tips comprise a second zone     comprising a second hardness which is different than the first     hardness. -   Example 192—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 191, wherein     the second hardness is greater than the first hardness. -   Example 193—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 191, wherein     the second hardness is less than the first hardness. -   Example 194—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 191, 192, or     193, wherein the staple base comprises a third zone comprising a     third hardness different than the first hardness and the second     hardness. -   Example 195—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 191, 192, 193,     or 194, wherein the staple legs comprise corner portions that are     coined to the first hardness. -   Example 196—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 195, wherein     the corner portions provide a preferential bending plane. -   Example 197—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 191, 192, 193,     194, 195, or 196, wherein the first zone comprises a first     ductility, and wherein the second zone comprises a second ductility     which is less than the first ductility. -   Example 198—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapling instrument, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a     cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of     staples removably stored within the staple cavities, wherein each     staple comprises a staple base, a pair of staple legs extending from     the staple base, a first zone comprising a first hardness, and a     second zone comprising a second hardness which is different that the     first hardness. -   Example 199—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 198, wherein     the first zone is hardened using a first method and the second zone     is hardened using a second method different than the first method. -   Example 200—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 198, wherein     only one of the first zone and the second zone is hardened by a     hardening method. -   Example 201—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 198, 199, or     200, wherein each staple further comprises bend portions     intermediate the staple legs and the staple base, and wherein the     bend portions comprise the first zone and the staple base comprises     the second zone. -   Example 202—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 198, 199, 200,     or 201, wherein the staple base comprises the first zone and the     staple legs comprise the second zone. -   Example 203—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 198, 199, 200,     201, or 202, wherein the staple legs are not hardened and the staple     base is hardened such that the staple legs are encouraged to assume     a formed configuration and such that the staple base is configured     to avoid plastic deformation. -   Example 204—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 198, 199, 200,     201, 202, or 203, wherein each staple leg comprises a transition     portion extending from the staple base and a vertical leg portion     extending from the transition portion, and wherein the staple base     comprises the first zone and the vertical leg portion comprises the     second zone. -   Example 205—A surgical staple configured to be removably stored     within a surgical staple cartridge in an unfired configuration, the     surgical staple comprising a non-uniform hardness profile, wherein     the staple comprises a first zone having a first hardness and a     second zone having a second hardness, wherein the first zone is     hardened to the first hardness when the staple is in a pre-load     configuration, and wherein the second zone is hardened to the second     hardness when the staple is in the pre-load configuration. -   Example 206—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapling instrument, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a     cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of     staples removably stored within the staple cavities, wherein each     staple comprises a staple base, wherein the staple base defines a     first zone comprising a first hardness, a plurality of bend portions     extending from the staple base, wherein the bend portions define a     second zone comprising a second hardness, and staple legs extending     from the bend portions, wherein each staple leg defines a third zone     comprising a third hardness different than the first hardness. -   Example 207—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 206, wherein     the first hardness is greater than the third hardness. -   Example 208—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 206, wherein     the first hardness is greater than the second hardness and the third     hardness. -   Example 209—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 206, 207, or     208, wherein each staple leg comprises a staple tip defining a     fourth zone comprising a fourth hardness which is less than the     third hardness. -   Example 210—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapling instrument, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a     sled, a cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a strip     of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, wherein the     strip of staples comprises a plurality of staples, a strip, and a     plurality of connector portions joining the staples to the strip,     wherein the connector portions are configured to release the staples     from the strip. -   Example 211—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 210, wherein     each connector portion comprises a discontinuity configured to     encourage the separation of the staples from the strip. -   Example 212—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 210, wherein     each connector portion comprises a discontinuity configured to     encourage the separation of the staple from the strip when the strip     of staples is loaded into the cartridge body. -   Example 213—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210 or 211,     wherein the sled is configured to separate the plurality of staples     from the strip by breaking the connector portions when the sled is     translated through the staple cartridge. -   Example 214—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     or 213, wherein each staple comprises a pair of outwardly biasing     staple legs configured to engage the cartridge body and hold the     strip of staples in the surgical staple cartridge. -   Example 215—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     213, or 214, wherein the cartridge body comprises a bottom, and     wherein the strip of staples is configured to be loaded into the     bottom of the cartridge body. -   Example 216—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     213, 214, or 215, wherein the plurality of staples are arranged in a     first row and a second row, and wherein the strip is joined to the     staples in the first row and the second row. -   Example 217—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     213, 214, 215, or 216, wherein the plurality of staples comprises a     first group of staples having a first configuration and a second     group of staples having a second configuration different than the     first configuration. -   Example 218—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     213, 214, 215, 216, or 217, wherein the connector portion comprises     a peened portion. -   Example 219—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     213, 214, 215, 216, 217, or 218, wherein the sled comprises striking     portions configured to break the connector portions. -   Example 220—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, or 219, wherein the staples comprise a     chamfered surface configured to engage the sled when the sled is     translated through the cartridge body. -   Example 221—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 210, 211, 212,     213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, or 220, wherein the strip     comprise alignment features configured to engage corresponding     alignment features on the cartridge body. -   Example 222—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapling instrument, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a     cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a strip of     staples removably stored within the cartridge body, the strip of     staples comprising a plurality of staples, a strip, and a plurality     of connector portions joining the staples to the strip, wherein the     connector portions are engageable to release the staples from the     strip, and wherein the staples, the strip, and the connector     portions are metal. -   Example 223—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 222, wherein     the plurality of staples comprises a first plurality of staples     comprising a first crown width and a second plurality of staples     comprising a second crown width which is different than the first     crown width. -   Example 224—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 222 or 223,     wherein the plurality of staples comprises a first group of staples     comprising staple legs defining a first height and a second group of     staples comprising staple legs defining a second height different     than the first height. -   Example 225—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 222, wherein     the strip of staples comprises a uniform composition. -   Example 226—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 222, 223, 224,     or 225, wherein the strip comprises alignment features configured to     engage corresponding alignment features on the cartridge body. -   Example 227—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 222, 223, 224,     225, or 226, further comprising a second strip of staples comprising     a plurality of second staples, a second strip, and a plurality of     second connector portions joining the second staples to the second     strip, wherein the plurality of staples are arranged in a plurality     of rows defining a first row spacing, wherein the plurality of     second staples are arranged in a plurality of second rows defining a     second row spacing, and wherein the first row spacing and the second     row spacing are different. -   Example 228—A metal strip of surgical staples configured for use     with a surgical staple cartridge, the metal strip of surgical     staples comprising a plurality of staples, a ribbon, and a plurality     of connector portions joining the staples to the ribbon. -   Example 229—The metal strip of surgical staples of Example 228,     wherein the connector portions comprise a discontinuity notch. -   Example 230—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a circular     stapler, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body,     a plurality of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and a     plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities,     the plurality of staples comprising an inner row of staples     comprising a quantity of first staples, wherein each first staple     comprises a first staple crown defining a first staple crown width,     an intermediate row of staples positioned radially outward with     respect to the inner row of staples, wherein the intermediate row of     staples comprises a quantity of second staples, and wherein each     second staple comprises a second staple crown defining a second     staple crown width, and an outer row of staples positioned radially     outward with respect to the intermediate row of staples, wherein the     outer row of staples comprises a quantity of third staples, wherein     each third staple comprises a third staple crown defining a third     staple crown width, and wherein one of the first staple crown width,     the second staple crown width, and the third staple crown width is     different than another of the first staple crown width, the second     staple crown width, and the third staple crown width. -   Example 231—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 230, wherein     the inner row of staples defines a plurality of first gaps between     the first staples, and wherein the second staples of the     intermediate row of staples overlap the first gaps. -   Example 232—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 231, wherein     the intermediate row of staples defines a plurality of second gaps     between the second staples, wherein the second gaps are larger than     the first gaps, and wherein the third staples of the outer row of     staples overlap the second gaps. -   Example 233—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 231 or 232,     wherein the third staples of the outer row of staples also overlap     the first gaps. -   Example 234—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 230, wherein     the inner row of staples defines a plurality of first gaps between     the first staples, wherein the intermediate row of staples defines a     plurality of second gaps between the second staples, wherein the     second staples overlap the first gaps, and wherein the first gaps     and the second gaps are at least substantially equal. -   Example 235—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 230, wherein     the inner row of staples defines a plurality of first gaps between     the first staples, wherein the intermediate row of staples defines a     plurality of second gaps between the second staples, wherein each     first gap defines a first distance, and wherein each second gap     defines a second distance which is less than the first distance. -   Example 236—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 230, 231, 232,     233, 234, or 235, wherein the first staple crown width is less than     the second staple crown width. -   Example 237—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 230, 231, 232,     233, 234, or 235, wherein the first staple crown width is at least     substantially equal to the second staple crown width. -   Example 238—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 230, 231, 232,     233, 234, 235, 236, or 237, wherein the third staple crown width is     greater than the first staple crown width and the second staple     crown width. -   Example 239—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a circular     stapler, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body,     a plurality of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and a     plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities,     the plurality of staples comprising an inner row of staples     comprising a first quantity of first staples, wherein each first     staple comprises a first staple crown defining a first staple crown     width, an intermediate row of staples positioned radially outward     with respect to the inner row of staples, wherein the intermediate     row of staples comprises a second quantity of second staples, and     wherein each second staple comprises a second staple crown defining     a second staple crown width, and an outer row of staples positioned     radially outward with respect to the intermediate row of staples,     wherein the outer row of staples comprises a third quantity of third     staples, wherein each third staple comprises a third staple crown     defining a third staple crown width, wherein one of the first staple     crown width, the second staple crown width, and the third staple     crown width is different than another of the first staple crown     width, the second staple crown width, and the third staple crown     width, and wherein one of the first quantity, the second quantity,     and the third quantity is different than another of the first     quantity, the second quantity, and the third quantity. -   Example 240—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 239, wherein     the second quantity is less than the first quantity. -   Example 241—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 239 or 240,     wherein the second quantity is less than the third quantity. -   Example 242—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 239, 240, or     241, wherein the plurality of staple cavities comprises a plurality     of non-uniform cavity extenders. -   Example 243—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 239, 240, 241,     or 242, wherein each first staple of the inner row of staples     comprises a pair of staple legs extending radially outward from each     first staple crown. -   Example 244—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 239, 240, 241,     242, or 243, wherein each second staple of the intermediate row of     staples comprises a pair of staple legs extending radially inward     from each second staple crown. -   Example 245—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 239, 240, 241,     242, 243, or 244, wherein each third staple of the outer row of     staples comprises a pair of staple legs extending radially inward     from each third staple crown. -   Example 246—A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical     stapler, the surgical staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body,     a plurality of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and a     plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities,     the plurality of staples comprising an inner row of staples     comprising a first quantity of first staples, wherein each first     staple comprises a first staple crown defining a first staple crown     width, an intermediate row of staples positioned outward with     respect to the inner row of staples, wherein the intermediate row of     staples comprises a second quantity of second staples, and wherein     each second staple comprises a second staple crown defining a second     staple crown width, and an outer row of staples positioned outward     with respect to the intermediate row of staples, wherein the outer     row of staples comprises a third quantity of third staples, wherein     each third staple comprises a third staple crown defining a third     staple crown width, and wherein one of the first staple crown width,     the second staple crown width, and the third staple crown width is     different than another of the first staple crown width, the second     staple crown width, and the third staple crown width. -   Example 247—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 246, wherein     one of the first quantity, the second quantity, and the third     quantity is different than another of the first quantity, the second     quantity, and the third quantity. -   Example 248—The surgical staple cartridge of Example 246, wherein     the first quantity and the second quantity are equal. -   Example 249—The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 246, 247, or     248, wherein the inner row of staples defines a plurality of first     gaps between the first staples, wherein the intermediate row of     staples defines a plurality of second gaps between the second     staples, wherein each first gap defines a first distance, and     wherein each second gap defines a second distance which is less than     the first distance.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Although the various embodiments of the devices have been described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, many modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

By way of example only, aspects described herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and when necessary cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device also may be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A surgical stapling device, comprising: an elongate shaft assembly; an end effector pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft about an articulation joint, wherein said end effector is movable between an open and a clamped position, said end effector comprising: an elongate channel; an anvil; and a staple cartridge operably supported in said elongate channel, comprising: a cartridge body, comprising: a deck including a proximal end and a distal end; and staple cavities defined in said deck; bioabsorbable staples removably stored in said staple cavities, wherein each said bioabsorbable staple comprises a frame including a crown and legs extending from said crown, and wherein said frame further comprises a feature configured to increase the hardness of a portion of said frame; staple drivers movable from an unfired position to a fired position during a staple firing stroke to eject said staples from said staple cavities; and a sled movable from a proximal position to a distal position during said staple firing stroke to move said staple drivers from said unfired position to said fired position; and a firing member movable within said surgical end effector during said firing stroke to move said sled from said proximal position to said distal position, wherein said firing member comprises: a first tab configured to engage said elongate channel during said staple firing stroke; and a second tab configured to engage said anvil during said firing motion.
 21. The surgical stapling device of claim 20, wherein said frame comprises magnesium.
 22. The surgical stapling device of claim 20, wherein said feature is a treated surface.
 23. The surgical stapling device of claim 22, wherein said treated surface comprises at least one of a coated surface, a laser hardened surface, and a plasma discharge hardened surface.
 24. The surgical stapling device of claim 20, wherein said crown comprises said feature.
 25. The surgical stapling device of claim 20, wherein said legs comprise said feature.
 26. The surgical stapling device of claim 25, wherein said legs comprise a leg body portion and corners, and wherein at least one said corner comprises said feature.
 27. The surgical stapling device of claim 20, wherein said legs comprise a tip, and wherein said tip comprises said feature.
 28. The surgical stapling device of claim 20, wherein said anvil and said deck are configured to compress tissue when said end effector is in said clamped position, and wherein the distance between said anvil and said deck varies laterally when said anvil is in said clamped position.
 29. The surgical stapling device of claim 20, wherein said staple cavities comprise a first row and a second row, wherein said bioabsorbable staples comprise first staples removably stored in said first row and second staples removably stored in said second row, wherein said first staples are configured to deform to a first fired height when fired against said anvil, and wherein said second staples are configured to deform to a second fired height when fired against said anvil.
 30. A surgical stapling device, comprising: an elongate shaft assembly; an end effector pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft about an articulation joint, wherein said end effector is movable between an open and a clamped position, said end effector comprising: an elongate channel; an anvil; and a staple cartridge operably supported in said elongate channel, comprising: a cartridge body, comprising: a deck including a proximal end and a distal end; and staple cavities defined in said deck; bioabsorbable staples removably stored in said staple cavities, wherein each said bioabsorbable staple comprises a frame including a crown and legs extending from said crown, and wherein said frame further comprises a feature configured to control the stiffness of a portion of said frame; staple drivers movable from an unfired position to a fired position during a staple firing stroke to eject said staples from said staple cavities; and a sled movable from a proximal position to a distal position during said staple firing stroke to move said staple drivers from said unfired position to said fired position; and a firing member movable within said surgical end effector during said firing stroke to move said sled from said proximal position to said distal position, wherein said firing member comprises: a first tab configured to engage said elongate channel during said staple firing stroke; and a second tab configured to engage said anvil during said firing motion.
 31. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said frame comprises magnesium.
 32. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said feature is a rectangular cross-sectional profile configured to increase the relative stiffness of said portion of said frame.
 33. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said feature is a round cross-sectional profile configured decrease the relative stiffness of said portion of said frame.
 34. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said crown comprises said feature.
 35. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said legs comprise said feature.
 36. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said feature is a platform extending from said crown.
 37. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said feature is a relief slot in said crown.
 38. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said anvil and said deck are configured to compress tissue when said end effector is in said close position, and wherein the distance between said anvil and said deck varies laterally when said end effector is in said clamped position.
 39. The surgical stapling device of claim 30, wherein said staple cavities comprise a first row of staple cavities and a second row of staple cavities, wherein said bioabsorbable staples comprise first staples removably stored in said first row and second staples removably stored in said second row, wherein said first staples are configured to deform to a first fired height when fired against said anvil, and wherein said second staples are configured to deform to a second fired height when fired against said anvil. 